A Very Late Tortoiseshell

I was surprised to see this tortoiseshell fluttering about in the garden in this afternoon's sunshine. It seems very late in the year but it has been a warm day.

[Jesika]

Tortoiseshells have had a very tough year, their numbers, already low, have been frighteningly poor. I usually raise several from caterpillars but didn't even find a single larva.
You are lucky to have seen this one and made a beautiful picture
j

[KoalaGardens🐨]

they are so lovely aren't they? great capture too