Like self-propelled flowers

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." Hans Christian Anderson

I was very lucky to manage to photograph this butterfly with the wings spread open, firstly it was deep in thick growth of nettles, and once I carefully managed to get a bit closer, I still had the hassle of it constantly opening and closing it's wings!

This is a Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) butterfly, it's about 50-56mm and is a well-known butterfly, which can be seen in most months of the year in almost any habitat. The caterpillars feed on Stinging Nettles growing in sunny conditions, favouring fresh young leaves. It overwinters as an adult and is one of the first butterflies to emerge in the spring. In autumn adults are regularly found in houses, sheds and outbuildings seeking hibernation sites. It has been much less common in recent years, the reasons for which are being researched - Info. taken from Butterfly Conservation website.

Another Leo in the family celebrates their birthday today - Happy Birthday Dad xxx