Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

Keep a look out for this gem-like butterfly as it is around in our parks and gardens

Amongst the best known of the British butterflies with this striking and attractive pattern on its wings

Widespread across the UK, the Small Tortoiseshell is found all over from city centres to mountain tops

The adult butterflies can be seen at any time of year, even in late December and early January, if the temperature is high enough to awaken them from hibernation

The caterpillars feed on Common Nettle plants

You can tell the difference between the Large and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies as the Large Tortoiseshell is generally duller in colour and bigger in size. The Small Tortoiseshell is more orange with less black near the rear wings and distinctive white/silver marks near the tips of the forewings

Candida Hopkinson