Small Tortoiseshell - Aglais urticae

The beautifully coloured Small Tortoiseshell - Aglais urticae - is widespread throughout Britain and Ireland and can be found throughout temperate Europe as far east as Japan, in fact pretty much anywhere where the common Nettle (which their larvae feed on) can be found. Although its wings are brightly coloured, its underwings are quite dull and drab but this provides camouflage when it rests with its wings closed. In Britain, as it can often hibernate over winter, it is one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring where it will visit gardens looking for the first flowers with nectar from which it can feed. This one was seen at Carr Mill Dam, St Helens, Merseyside, England.

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