They finally showed up this past weekend, the Small Tortoiseshells (Aglais urticae) that have been mysteriously and distressingly absent so far this summer. We didn't get many; it was only a trio buzzing around the Buddleia bush in one corner of the garden. But that was three more than we'd seen so far this summer — which is concerning. Insect watchers everywhere in the British Isles are reporting the same thing: the nearly complete collapse of this formerly common and widespread species. Unfortunately, no one is quite sure what's happening, particularly as some other species appear to be having a banner year. It can't be a lack of available food plants for either the adults or the larvae. Adults feed on a variety of plants, and the larvae feed on Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) which is ubiquitous throughout most of the islands. Hopefully, our many nettles will prove irresistible to any egg-laying female in the area!
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