Nettle Tortoiseshell?

The Small Tortoiseshell got its name from Benjamin Wilkes in 1742, distinguishing it from the Large Tortoiseshell. Since  the latter is no longer resident in the UK it might be time to revive one of its other old names - the Nettle Tortoiseshell (William Lewin, 1795).

In recent years I have seen fewer and fewer of these beautiful butterflies. I might be lucky to see half a dozen in a year. This season has been strikingly different. I saw at least a dozen just on this morning's spaniel walk.