Papilio Urticae Collection

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae) feeding on scabious flowers in hay meadow, Wensum Valley, Norfolk, England, UK, July

Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) feeding on Ice plant (Sedum sp. )
Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) feeding on Ice plant (Sedum sp.). Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK. September

Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) feeding on Marjoram (Origanum vulgare). Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK. July

Small tortoishell butterfly (Aglais urticae) on a stained glass window of church on a sunny day Sheffield, England, UK, January

Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) resting on old painted door. Dorset, UK, August

RF - Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) nectaring on Verbena (Verbena sp). Cornwall, England, UK. September. (This image may be licensed either as rights managed or royalty free.)

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae) feeding on Common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) England, UK, August

Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) resting on heather, Westhay, Somerset Levels, UK, August

Devil s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis) and Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK, September. Digital composite

Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) basking on Cornish slate wall, Crantock, Cornwall, UK. June

Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) butterfly flying amongst Scabious (Knautia arvensis) in hay meadow. Wensum Valley, Norfolk, England, UK. July

Tortoisehell butterfly (Aglais urticae) with Ponts Couverts in distance, Strasbourg, France. June 2014

Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) feeding on Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK. August

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The Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae) is a stunning creature that can be found in various locations across the UK and France. With its vibrant orange wings adorned with black markings, it is truly a sight to behold. One of its favorite activities is feeding on scabious flowers in hay meadows. As it delicately lands on the petals, you can see its proboscis unfurling to sip nectar from each bloom. The contrast between the butterfly's vivid colors and the soft hues of the flowers creates a picturesque scene. In Cornwall, this beautiful butterfly can also be seen basking on Cornish slate walls during sunny June days. Its wings spread wide as it soaks up the warmth, creating a striking image against the rugged stone backdrop. Another favorite food source for this species is Ice plant (Sedum sp. ) and Marjoram (Origanum vulgare). Watching it gracefully flutter from one flower to another, collecting nectar with precision, showcases nature's intricate beauty. Sometimes, these butterflies find unexpected resting spots like stained glass windows or old painted doors. Their presence adds an ethereal touch to these man-made structures and reminds us of nature's ability to blend seamlessly into our surroundings. When not busy feeding or resting, they take flight amongst Scabious flowers or heather-covered landscapes. The contrast between their vibrant wings and the natural scenery creates a harmonious composition that captures our attention. Even when far away in Strasbourg, France, these butterflies still manage to captivate us. Against the backdrop of Ponts Couverts bridge in distance, their delicate flight patterns seem almost magical. Whether you spot them in Somerset Levels or Dorset's countryside, witnessing these Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies brings joy and wonderment. They remind us of nature's resilience and beauty while encouraging us to appreciate even the smallest creatures around us.