The Compton Tortoiseshell butterflies are found in Canadian forests south of the tundra. The upper surface of the wings is orange-brown with black spots and a thin black band with gold spots along the edges. The under surface is a light grey-brown with a dark border. The caterpillars are pale green and speckled with black spines. Compton Tortoiseshells are univoltine which means they have one brood of offspring each year. They are in flight from late July until they enter hibernation in October, and again from the time they leave hibernation in March until May. The Compton Tortoiseshell feeds on an assortment of deciduous trees such as aspen, birch, and willow. / SANDRA JAMES
