Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies

These are small tortoiseshells. Large tortoiseshells are noticeably different; not only bigger but also the white flashes at the front of the wings is less prominent.

We saw lots of these butterflies on the allotment site yesterday. In fact we saw four sitting together at one point.

These photos show a couple in courtship. The male butterfly is at the back and is (according to the UK Butterflies site) tapping out a rhythm on the female's hind wings with his antennae!

The caterpillars eat nettles so aren't a threat to our veggies.