SMALL TORTOISESHELL
One of the most common and brilliantly coloured butterflies in the British Isles the Small Tortoiseshell will be found in city garden and open country alike - mainly from May to November/16 though any warm spell during the year will bring out the occasional winter hibernator. Ills very fond of thistles and of basking in the sun with wings wide open. The colour and markings may vary - the slightly larger female from orange to deep red. The caterpillar is black with yellow markings - and feeds on Stinging Nettle. Wingspan approx. 2-23/4 inches.