Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae)

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) are common throughout the UK, but are in decline and considered under threat.

They thrive in marginal areas near grasslands and hedgerows.

Small tortoiseshell butterflies need nettle patches for their habitat – so make sure to leave some patches of stinging nettle in your yard if you want to promote these little beauties.

Small tortoiseshell butterflies are really quite small, and unlike other types of butterfly, the males and females appear similar.

In a summer there can be two broods.

For more information see the Butterfly Conservation website.