Brood in north Scotland

[Jack Harrison]

I have lived in the Nairn area of north Scotland for seven years. During this time, I have begun to realise that Small Tortoiseshell is routinely double brooded and not - as is usually suggested - having just one generation in late July.

Today 24th June this obviously newly emerged individual (Cawdor) strongly implies that there are two broods here.

Some from this first brood go straight into hibernation – they regularly enter the house. Others go on to have a new generation in August.

Jack