Small tortoiseshell larvae

The next generation of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are coming on nicely in one of the large nettle patches at the nature reserve. We contructed a double fenceline along the boundary of the extension fields we were able to purchase 16 years ago; in this space, protected from grazing, scrub is gradually developing, but mostly there are extensive nettle patches and these are supporting a number of clusters of caterpillars. It's great to have the space to provide for this butterfly that was causing so much concern only a few years ago. Nearby, a pair of Green Nettle Weevils were doing their best to procreate (see extra photo).