Blackthorn Argent vs small tortoiseshell

Argyresthia spinosella compared with Aglais urticae

Key Differences

Blackthorn Argent is Endangered while small tortoiseshell is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Blackthorn Argent	small tortoiseshell
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Arthropoda (Arthropods)	Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class same	Insecta (Insects)	Insecta (Insects)
Order same	Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)	Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)
Family	Argyresthiidae	Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Genus	Argyresthia	Aglais
Species	Argyresthia spinosella	Aglais urticae

Evolutionary Relationship

Blackthorn Argent and small tortoiseshell share a common ancestor at the Order level: Lepidoptera. (Butterflies & Moths)

View Order: Lepidoptera

Conservation Status

Blackthorn Argent

EN — Endangered

small tortoiseshell

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Blackthorn Argent	small tortoiseshell
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Blackthorn Argent

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

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.

Blackthorn Argent

The Blackthorn Argent (Argyresthia spinosella) is a species in the genus Argyresthia. It is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

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.