Small tortoiseshell

I wasn't expecting to see any butterflies when I went out at lunchtime as it was raining. But it was warm enough for this chap to be on the wing: small tortoiseshell aglais urticae.

A few years ago this used to be one of our commonest butterflies but I think it has declined. Like the comma and the peacock, all of which are closely related, these butterflies often overwinter as adults, hibernating in houses, greenhouses and sheds.

It's not a very good picture; it didn't let me get close but I didn't take anyhting better today.