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Large Tortoiseshell - Favourite Photo of 2021

Week 9

Another week passes which just means that we’re one week closer to the new season…at least that’s the way that I’m looking at it .

Please could I ask that everyone waits until a topic has been opened by me for a particular species before posting photos as then it will be easier to keep track of things? Of course our overseas members are very welcome to fill in the obvious gaps relating to rare UK migrants. As in previous years details of locations, dates, times and circumstances would be welcome as would any accompanying stories and anecdotes or other observations of behaviour and interesting other points.

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

There can be only one (Highlander reference, to the uninitiated). Finding home-grown Large Tort larvae will stick with me for a long, long time! Or, rather, being there when Will Langdon found them! Portland, 8th June.
Cheers,

- Pete

Here's my favourite (and only) photo of Large Tortoiseshell 2021. Tout Quarry Portland. An adult from Peter's batch of caterpillars no doubt. What a thrill to see one nectaring on the buddleia before it flew off never to be seen again. July 15th 2021

Pete Eeles wrote: ↑Mon Dec 13, 2021 4:14 pm..Finding home-grown Large Tort larvae will stick with me for a long, long time! Or, rather, being there when Will Langdon found them! Portland, 8th June.

Indeed, Pete. A landmark moment in recent history for UK butterflies.

Very late in posting, grovelling apologies to all !.

Here is my 2021 Large Tortoiseshell image taken on March 21st at Rowland Wood, East Sussex.
Initially mistaken for a Painted Lady when seen in the air, it was a little later that I saw the
' Painted Lady ' resting on the trunk of a pine. I was some distance from the butterfly so only
managed two images using full zoom. Unfortunately the butterfly flew off before I could
get any closer. Playing back the images imagine the shock and excitement when I saw what
the mistaken species actually was !.

I wondered where this had got to, Trevor. Better late than never. Great memories!

Even later than Trevor was, my Large Tortoiseshell was from 31st March in Abbotts Wood. Found on the ground where it appeared to be holding territory, seen chasing Peacocks and returning to the same spot, only to then be seen chasing another large pair of butterflies that were probably Peacock, but in my mind could have been something better!! This time it did not return and was never seen again.

This was my 3rd Large Tortoiseshell find in just under a year. All local to me in East Sussex.

Having still never seen a genuinely wild LT on UK soil I’m drooling over this thread! I’m determined to let one find me though, so I might be waiting some time…..Super sightings and photos all