Although very common the small tortoiseshell is still a beautiful butterfly and is found almost anywhere.  I've seen 23 at one time on the Sedum spectabile (Ice plant) in the garden and two flying among the Gentiana nivalis (Snow Gentian) at 3,000 feet in the Corrie on Ben Lawers this year.  It hibernates and it isn't uncommon to find one coming back  life in a garden shed on the first warm day in Spring.

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Our Garden, 12th September 2002

Added on 17th October 2004, amended 14th Jan 2008, updated 21st June 2008