Large Tortoiseshell - Nymphalis polychloros
Beachy Head, Sussex
Although, once a widespread and relatively common woodland butterfly in southern England, the Large Tortoiseshell has been considered extinct in Britain throughout my lifetime. Occasional sightings since the 1960's were deemed migrants from the continent or, more often, released captive bred stock.
However, with records along the south coast slowly increasing over the last few years (14 already this year), and confirmed breeding in at least 2 Sussex locations last year, it seems re-colonisation from the continent is a real possibility. In the meantime, it remains a very rare sight in the UK, so it was great to catch up with this one on Good Friday.
Large Tortoiseshell - Nymphalis polychloros
Beachy Head, Sussex
Although, once a widespread and relatively common woodland butterfly in southern England, the Large Tortoiseshell has been considered extinct in Britain throughout my lifetime. Occasional sightings since the 1960's were deemed migrants from the continent or, more often, released captive bred stock.
However, with records along the south coast slowly increasing over the last few years (14 already this year), and confirmed breeding in at least 2 Sussex locations last year, it seems re-colonisation from the continent is a real possibility. In the meantime, it remains a very rare sight in the UK, so it was great to catch up with this one on Good Friday.