A butterfly (family Nymphalidae) with a wingspan of up to 5 cm, that is identifiable by white spots on its dark wings and bold orange bands that cross the forewings and the edges of the hindwings. Its caterpillars feed primarily on nettles (Urtica species), the adults on nectar, especially from buddleia, and juice from over-ripe fruit. It hibernates and is resident in the warmer regions of Eurasia and North America, flying northwards in spring, and in some years again in autumn.