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Small Tortoishell
Aglais urticeae
This colourful and well known butterfly emerges from hibernation
in the spring to breed. Its black larvae feed exclusively on the
humble stinging nettles. As a defensive mechanism, they tend to
wriggle collectively to ward off predators.
As well as visiting local gardens close to the reserve, late-flying
adults seek out hemp agrimony and similar flowers and will be on
the wing until the first frosts of autumn arrive. They seek out
well hidden nooks and cranies where they will rest up until the
following spring. Even discarded traffic cones found on site
have been used as safe and secure hibernation places!
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