2021 - Large Tortoiseshell

[Mitch]

3 seen at Church Ope Cove , isle of Portland. Whilst chasing one up and down the beach with the camera my wife was casually taking mobile phone snaps like this. Photo is 22nd March 2021 at 13.46.

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Mitch - added!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Neil Hulme]

Male seen today by Gary Norman in Friston Forest (East Sussex) - not far from where Gary had another one a few years back.
BWs, Neil

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Neil - added!

Cheers,

- Pete

[MrSp0ck]

Large Tortoiseshell seen at Hutchinsons Bank 12th May, missed by the Surrey Butterfly walkers too.

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Martin! List updated.

Cheers,

- Pete

[jasonbirder]

Surely (for obvious reasons) that Hutchinsons Bank one can't be legit?

[MrSp0ck]

Jason Birder, Why do you say that, in the middle of an influx of migrants, SilverYs, Painted Ladies were all seen that day, and have you ever known Large Tortoiseshell larvae or pupae to be availiable to buy and then actually delivered, Other Large Tortoiseshell sightings have been at High Elms, and Shortlands Station last year, both nearby. There is also a lot of Mature Elms on site in Three Cornered Grove. The condition and size of this Large Tortoiseshell and the bird peck out of the wings, would also indicate a migrant.

It was reported and photographed by a member of the public, and not seen by anybody connected with the site, other than as a fly-by, and by the Surrey Butterfly Conservation walkers, and has been excepted by the recorders.

I wouldnt have submitted something of this importance if it wasnt legit anyway.

A Clouded Yellow was also reported the same day, again not seen by anybody on the walk.

[jasonbirder]

Absolutely no slur on whoever reported the sighting (I don't for a minute think the report itself was anything other than legitimate, honest and well intentioned)
Please accept my apology if that's how it came across...

Whilst there was a small influx of migrant moths around that time (local trappers to me had a few Diamond Backs...though sadly I didn't) I don't think that's indiative of anything for a species with an extremely tainted record (I'm looking at YOU Portland) at a sight that has quite literally made its name on the back of illegal releases!

It is (obviously) difficult to be specific about Individual records...but if this was a bird...It'd be an Inland Summer Cinnamon Teal or a Marbled Duck...rather than an Autumn Coastal White's Thrush wouldn't it?

I mean...I've seen Large Copper here in Notts...so we ALL know that unusual records need a degree of sceptisism!

[bugboy]

Absolutely no slur on whoever reported the sighting (I don't for a minute think the report itself was anything other than legitimate, honest and well intentioned)
Please accept my apology if that's how it came across...

Whilst there was a small influx of migrant moths around that time (local trappers to me had a few Diamond Backs...though sadly I didn't) I don't think that's indiative of anything for a species with an extremely tainted record (I'm looking at YOU Portland) at a sight that has quite literally made its name on the back of illegal releases!

It is (obviously) difficult to be specific about Individual records...but if this was a bird...It'd be an Inland Summer Cinnamon Teal or a Marbled Duck...rather than an Autumn Coastal White's Thrush wouldn't it?

I mean...I've seen Large Copper here in Notts...so we ALL know that unusual records need a degree of sceptisism!

Large Tortoiseshells dispurse after the summer emergence so all the ones recorded so far hibernated in the general vicinity of where they were seen. The poor weather and any possible resulting poor migration (the Painted Ladies obviously aren't bothered) will have no effect on where they are currently turning up.

[JimB]

Pete,
The fifth Large Tortoiseshell sighting of the year for the Isle of Wight which equals the total number of sightings in the county for 2020.

May 5th
Bouldnor, Isle of Wight
Source: Sighting sent privately

This record is only a couple of miles away from a 2020 reported sighting.

Cheers,
Jim

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Jim - list amended!

Cheers,

- Pete

[MrSp0ck]

The Hutchinsons Bank one was seen again today, so its still around, hope to see it tomorrow or the next few days.

[HarassedDad]

My attention's just been drawn to this tweet by the national trust
https://twitter.com/East_England_NT/sta ... 8424750081
which claims to show a Large tortoiseshell and eggs in Sheringham, Norfolk. Only it looks a bit Scarce/Yellow-legged to me - particular as the eggs were apparently on Willow. Anyone have any thoughts?

[bugboy]

My attention's just been drawn to this tweet by the national trust
https://twitter.com/East_England_NT/sta ... 8424750081
which claims to show a Large tortoiseshell and eggs in Sheringham, Norfolk. Only it looks a bit Scarce/Yellow-legged to me - particular as the eggs were apparently on Willow. Anyone have any thoughts?

To my eye's it looks like a Large Tort, the dark borders don't look clearly defined enough and the white spot at the apex of the forewing doesn't 'pop out' at you. Large Torts will readily use Willow (as well as poplars, Aspens and Wild Apple etc). Of course wear and tear could have dulled it's appearance. Other more experienced eyes may have different views of course

[Padfield]

I agree with Buggy - no doubt in my mind this is a large tortoiseshell. And this is exactly how they lay eggs on willow - I've witnessed it in Switzerland and even made a sketch of it in my diary, way back in about 2000, before I got a digital camera:



She is upside down here, with the upperside of the wings showing. While I watched, she carried on laying the eggs thickly around the stem.

Guy

[Matsukaze]

The state of the vegetation in those photos suggests that they were taken several weeks ago, at least.

[HarassedDad]

Thanks - didn't realise Large used willow.

[Pete Eeles]

I'm now able to share a 'find of the year' with regard to the Large Tort! See https://www.dispar.org/reference.php?id=177

Cheers,

- Pete

[David M]

Yes, Pete, 'Find of the year' just about sums it up....and your statistics regarding the eggs/larvae are worthy of mention too.

I daresay quite soon we will see a few of the adults being reported from nectar sources on Portland.