This species is a frequent garden visitor and is one of Ireland’s most handsome butterflies. It is a migrant species to Ireland in general, but some individuals sometimes survive the winter in milder years. It is very fond of rich nectar sources and can be seen on Buddleia bushes in large numbers during the summer months in the company of Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks. In Ireland it is often the last species (along with the Comma) to be seen before the onset of winter, stocking up on nectar from Ivy blossom.

Distribution: Resident in much of Europe but migrates north annually.

Flight Period: March-October in several broods, but much more numerous  from July-September.

Habitat: Anywhere with an abundance of flowers at a wide range of altitudes. Frequently found in gardens and parks.

Foodplants: Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nectar Sources: Buddleia, dandelions (Taraxacum), privets (Ligustrum), Ivy (Hedera helix), Sedum, scabiouses (Knautia, Succisa), thistles (Cirsium, Carduus), brambles (Rubus), knapweeds (Centaurea) Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) and  mints (Mentha) among others.

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