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In April, female Small Tortoiseshells > Link lay their eggs in large heaps on the underside of nettle leaves, choosing young nettle plants that grow at warm sheltered sites such as at the bottom of south-facing hillsides, along dykes and riverbanks, near hedgerows, and along disused railway cuttings. Immediately after hatching, the larvae spin a communal silk web around the terminal leaves of the nettles where they seek shelter overnight or in bad weather. The larvae split up into smaller groups, and spin new webs after each moult, but become solitary when they enter the final instar. By this time they are a dull blackish colour, spiky, and have 2 prominent yellow lines running along their backs. The older larvae can often be seen curled in a J shaped posture, resting on the upperside of nettle leaves. For a wider view of this particular location see > Link.