A survey tour was made to examine the insect fauna ofUrtica dioicain central and southern Europe and compare it with that in Britain. Forty‐five sites were sampled mainly in Italy and southern Germany. The range of habitats occupied byU. dioicais described. Over 100 insect species in 6 orders were identified of which about 48 phytophagous species and several predatory species are consi dered to be closely or commonly associated with the host plant. Some regional variations were found but the fauna is basically quite similar throughout the area covered.