Native Butterflies: Nettle-Feeding

Background

Butterfly populations are declining globally, and the UK is no exception. Around 80% of British butterfly species have suffered declines in the last 50 years, many of them severe. Customers, schools and community groups often mention noticeable drops in the butterflies they see locally — which is why rearing native species is becoming increasingly popular.

Native butterflies that feed on Nettles (Urtica dioica) are especially rewarding for beginners and experienced keepers alike. In this guide, we focus on five UK species:

  • Peacock (Aglais io)
  • Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
  • Comma (Polygonia c-album)
  • Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
  • Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

All of these species use nettles as their larval host plant, and all are very easy to rear successfully in captivity by following the steps below.

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Aglais urticae caterpillars

These young caterpillars will feed communally among a silk web until they gain size and begin feeding independently.

Eggs

Depending on the stage at the time of dispatch, you may receive either eggs or young caterpillars. Eggs start as a blue-green colour, and depending on the species can appear singly or in groups. They turn black when the caterpillar inside is fully developed and ready to hatch.

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How to Set Up Eggs on Arrival

  1. Transfer the eggs gently into a plastic container such as a takeaway tub or tupperware.
  2. Keep the lid closed to retain humidity — eggs and small larvae dry out very easily.
  3. Open the container once or twice daily to refresh the air and prevent mould.

Within a few days, the eggs will darken. Once they turn fully black, add fresh nettle leaves. Newly hatched caterpillars begin feeding almost immediately, leaving tiny bite marks and holes.

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Peacock & Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars

These Peacock (top) and Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars are well-developed and will pupate in a few days after filling up on Nettle leaves!

Caterpillars

Nettle leaves must be replaced regularly — whenever they wilt or are eaten. You can let the larvae transfer themselves onto new leaves, or use a soft paintbrush to move them carefully.

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Growth & Handling

  • After around 10 days, caterpillars reach the half-grown stage - much easier to see and handle when required.
  • Growth accelerates from this point.
  • Once they reach about 1 cm long, move them to a mesh cage for better airflow and reduced moisture build-up.
  • Provide nettles as cut stems in a jar or vase of water. These remain fresh for several days. Block any holes where larvae could fall into water with tissue or cotton wool.

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Preparing for Pupation

By about three weeks, caterpillars will be ready to pupate. They:

  • stop feeding,
  • wander to find a safe spot,
  • attach themselves by a silk pad
  • hang in the characteristic “J-shape”.

They will remain motionless for 1–3 days and must not be disturbed during this time.

Live butterflies and moths for sale online UK. Order eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and cocoons. Watch the lifecycle unfold with insects to rear at home!

Pupal development

This photo demonstrates how pupae look during different stages of development: the pupa on the right is freshest and not showing any development; the left one is beginning to develop; and the middle pupa is very close to emerging as you can see the butterfly is fully formed inside.

Pupae

After shedding the final larval skin, the pupa is very soft and vulnerable. Leave it untouched for at least 48 hours to harden.

Once pupae have formed and solidified, you can:

Option A: Leave Them Where They Formed

  • Ideal if they are safe and not in the way of other larvae.

Option B: Move Them to an Emergence Enclosure

  • Suspend the pupae or place them on tissue paper at the base of an enclosure. Butterflies use the tissue for grip when emerging, then pull themselves up the sides of the enclosure to inflate their wings.

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Temperature & Humidity

  • Keep at normal room temperature or even outdoors if you have a suitably sheltered location.
  • Avoid direct sunlight, radiators or excessively dry locations. In the wild, pupae form in shaded, humid undergrowth.

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Development Time

  • The pupal stage lasts around 10–14 days, though in summer heat it can be as short as 7 days.
  • As emergence approaches, the pupa darkens, and the wing patterns of the butterfly may become visible — this is normal and indicates emergence within hours or days.

Native Butterflies

This image was taken in one of our breeding cages with dozens of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock Butterflies.

Adult butterflies

When emerging, butterflies must hang upside-down to inflate and harden their wings. Crumpled wings at first are normal — they usually fully expand within 30 minutes and harden over several hours.

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Keeping Adults

You can enjoy them for a few days indoors if you like — see: Caring for Adult Butterflies

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Releasing Adults

If you intend to release the butterflies:

  • Wait 24 hours after emergence so the wings have fully hardened.
  • Offer a little sugar water beforehand to give them a strong start.
  • Release on a warm, calm day near flowering plants or fruit sources.

This increases their survival as they search for nectar and mates.

  • Live butterflies and moths for sale online UK. Buy eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and cocoons. Watch the lifecycle unfold with insects to rear at home!
  • Live butterflies and moths for sale online UK. Buy eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and cocoons. Watch the lifecycle unfold with insects to rear at home!