Species Cards
Nettle
Urtica dioeca
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Group: |
© Erica Bower Nettle (Urtica dioeca) |
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Food chain : |
Producer |
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What it eats : |
Makes its own food from carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight energy. |
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Eaten by: |
Caterpillars of peacock, small tortoiseshell and red admiral butterfly. Nettle seeds are eaten by birds. |
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Habitat: |
WoodlandWoodland |
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Description: |
The nettle's scientific name, Urtica, comes from the Latin word 'uro' which means to burn. It is an easy one to remember - it 'urts! Nettle stings protect the plant from grazing rabbits, cows and other large animals, but lots of caterpillars and other insects can eat them. Male and female flowers are on separate plants, and are pollinated mainly by the wind. |
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