This species has a remarkable story in it's presence in the UK. Up to my 20's I had never seen one, met up with it in the Cotswolds in the 1980's, and from the mid 90's, began to see it at home in Yorkshire. Initially a cause for amazement and celebration, it has now become as regular as the Small Tortoiseshell and others. I do hope it stays that way for butterfly photos in the future. 

 

I love it's territorial behaviour and wonderful colouration and outline. 

The usual form is seen above left, and the larger, brighter hutchinsoni form below left. The characteristicaly marked underside is below right.