Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell
Although very common the small tortoiseshell is still a beautiful butterfly and is found almost anywhere. I've seen 23 at one time on the Sedum spectabile (Ice plant) in the garden and two flying among the Gentiana nivalis (Snow Gentian) at 3,000 feet in the Corrie on Ben Lawers this year. It hibernates and it isn't uncommon to find one coming back life in a garden shed on the first warm day in Spring.
Cheshire Garden, 12th September 2002
Added on 17th Oct 04, amended 14th Jan 08, updated 21st Jun & Nov 6th 08, updated 8th June 2010