A Small Tortoiseshell upon Faassen’s Catnip

At RHS Hyde Hall, a number of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies (Aglais urticae) were dotted all over a Catmint (Nepeta faassenii), a species of Catnips (also known as Faassen’s Catnip).

Adults feed on nectar and while the dorsal surface of the wings is vividly marked, the ventral surface is drab, providing camouflage. The species currently has low conservation status, however there has been concern due to a recent decline.

Catmint is a flowering hybrid plant with fragrant leaves and a large number of brightly coloured flowers. It was originally cultivated in the Netherlands.

(Published in Wild Planet Photo Magazine)