www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Today, at 185 metres altitude in the Alpes-Maritimes, I saw my first ever Nettle-tree Butterfly.
It was taking nectar from ivy (Hedera helix?) flowers, which were also very popular with several Silver-washed Fritillaries. It stayed there long enough for me to take more than 20 photos. In the middle of taking these photos, a Provence Chalk-hill Blue alighted on the back of my hand. All very intimate! Is it usual to see Nettle-tree Butterflies so late in the season? I gather that it is not a very common butterfly in the Alpes-Maritimes.
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Colin

What lovely pictures!

In principle you can see this butterfly any time in autumn, as it hibernates as an adult, though I believe most hibernate relatively early. I don't know about how common or rare it is in the Alpes Maritimes but it is a very special butterfly and always a pleasure to see. In Italy and Switzerland (Ticino) it is thriving and spreading at present.

Guy

Excellent find, and a cracking open wing shot too!

Yes,that open wing shot is a cracker!
I saw my first Nettletree Butterflies in Croatia this year. But no open wing shot fo me!