www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Northamptonshire isn't near to me, but it feels like it is in the Large Tortoiseshell context. All of the southern England sitings are a bit for me.

Whenever I start thinking about Large Tortoiseshell, my mind always turns to how many are here that we don't know about. The chances of a Large Tortoiseshell being in the same place and same time as someone who can identify it must be incredibly slim.

After a week of being stuck at home because of a badly scalded foot, I had a gentle walk on my local patch near Heathrow this afternoon (10th) as the sun came out. After seeing a good selection of species, I was heading back when I spotted something that looked at first like a basking Comma. Liking to have a record of everything I see if I can, I took some distant shots... and then got a bit closer as there was something a bit different about the butterfly. A quick look at the shots confirmed that it was actually a rather worn Large Tortoiseshell. It was then disturbed by a Holly Blue, but flew incredibly gracefully along the path and then back, settling briefly on the ground before disappearing. I snatched another couple of shots, but I am confident as to its ID.First spotted on the brambles to the left, then later on the path. Dave

What a fantastic find Dave! Another species I have yet to see.

I'm pleased to hear you managed to get out today and hope your foot is on the mend.

Sarah.

millerd wrote: ↑Tue May 10, 2022 3:10 pm..I snatched another couple of shots, but I am confident as to its ID.

So am I. 100% polychloros.

Superb stuff, Dave. You earned that after what you went through with the accident.

They're definitely back in the UK and spreading. Too many regular sightings over a wide area for it to be releases or vagrants.

If it isn't a Large Tortoiseshell then it's a Scarce Tortoiseshell!!!

Blimey Dave, well spotted

Just think, if you hadn't had your accident you may well have gone out somewhere today and missed that. Silver linings and all that

Cheers,

Neil.

Neil Freeman wrote: ↑Tue May 10, 2022 4:03 pmJust think, if you hadn't had your accident you may well have gone out somewhere today and missed that. Silver linings and all that.

Excellent point well made, Neil.

Oh, the chance tapestry of life....

Great find in the Large Tort, Dave Hope that you get back to full mobility soon.

Thanks Toby, Peter and Dave (well done!). List updated accordingly.

Cheers,

- Pete

Otep wrote: ↑Sun May 08, 2022 6:59 pm Whenever I start thinking about Large Tortoiseshell, my mind always turns to how many are here that we don't know about. The chances of a Large Tortoiseshell being in the same place and same time as someone who can identify it must be incredibly slim.

Your comment ran through my mind when I chanced upon this one, Otep!

David M wrote: ↑Tue May 10, 2022 4:05 pm

Neil Freeman wrote: ↑Tue May 10, 2022 4:03 pmJust think, if you hadn't had your accident you may well have gone out somewhere today and missed that. Silver linings and all that.

Excellent point well made, Neil.

Oh, the chance tapestry of life....

Incredibly fortunate on several levels when you think about it, Neil and David.

Thanks to all for your kind remarks about the foot - and the butterfly too!

Dave

Pete Eeles wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 6:05 pm

False Apollo wrote: ↑Mon May 02, 2022 7:16 pm I have just received a report of a male Large Tortoiseshell seen and photographed at Church Ope Cove, Portland on 4.3.22. Just the one observer who is familiar with this species.

Regards
Mike

Hi Mike - is this recorded anywhere on the web (other than here) so that I can point to the photo? Thanks!

Cheers,

- Pete

Hi Pete,
Apologies in delay in replying. The observer was Steve Guy who lives in Poole. Unfortunately he does not do social media so I only know because he phoned me. He is what I suppose you would call butterfly obsessed but does not put his observations out as he does not own a PC. I have known him since the 80s and he photographs everything he sees if he can. Possibly others know him on the forum. I can pass you his phone number if required.

Regards
Mike

surprised it hasn't popped up on here yet - so Heads Up... Matthew Oates found male and female on consecutive days at Knepp this week, plus larval damage on Wych Elm
https://twitter.com/MatthewOates76/stat ... 3577411586

garrypogson wrote: ↑Fri Jul 08, 2022 6:50 am surprised it hasn't popped up on here yet - so Heads Up... Matthew Oates found male and female on consecutive days at Knepp this week, plus larval damage on Wych Elm
https://twitter.com/MatthewOates76/stat ... 3577411586

A nice write-up by Patrick Barkham in the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... back-in-uk

Thanks both - now added to the main list.

Cheers,

- Pete

Reported on BC Dorset website: 2 seen Church Ope Cove 18th July

Thanks Garry - list updated.

Cheers,

- Pete

A presumably hibernating one found in a house in Littlehampton in a room being decorated. Photos in the Facebook group insects and other invertebrates of Britain and Europe

Thanks Buggy - list updated!

Cheers,

- Pete

Does anyone know of any verified sightings around Portland in the SUMMER of 2022? The only sighting I know of was reported on the Dorset BC website July 18th - but no photo. Afterwards someone suggested to me that erroneous LT sightings are not uncommon.

Meanwhile, Pete, is it about time to open up the 2023 thread? I saw maybe the first 2023 sightings from France on Twitter today:
https://twitter.com/AAFuster/status/1621065548036730881