Black Iris vs small tortoiseshell

Iris nigricans compared with Aglais urticae

Key Differences

• Black Iris is Vulnerable while small tortoiseshell is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Black Iris	small tortoiseshell
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Arthropoda (Arthropods)	Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class same	Insecta (Insects)	Insecta (Insects)
Order	Mantodea (Mantodea)	Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)
Family	Eremiaphilidae	Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Genus	Iris	Aglais
Species	Iris nigricans	Aglais urticae

Evolutionary Relationship

Black Iris and small tortoiseshell share a common ancestor at the Class level: Insecta. (Insects)

Conservation Status

Black Iris

VU — Vulnerable

small tortoiseshell

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Black Iris	small tortoiseshell
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Black Iris

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

small tortoiseshell

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Found across Europe (41 countries). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Black Iris

The Black Iris (Iris nigricans) is a species in the genus Iris. It is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Detailed ecological data for this species continues to be documented through ongoing taxonomic and conservation research.

small tortoiseshell

small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Close to qualifying as threatened, with populations that may become vulnerable without conservation action.