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Large Tortoiseshell - Favourite Photo of 2017

Week 9 - Advent is upon us so while you're musing over what butterfly related gifts to ask for from Father Christmas at the same time you can come up with your 'Favourites' for this weeks selection This is a Brucie Bonus mainly for those lucky gets that got so see UK Large Torts this year, fingers crossed that they have a good winter and there will be many more next year

Please could I ask that everyone waits until a topic has been opened by me for a particular species before posting photos? Of course our overseas members are very welcome to fill in the obvious gaps relating to rare UK migrants. As like last year 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

Wurzel

Oh go on then, if you insist . I still remember this encounter like it was this afternoon, made all the more satisfying (if it were possible) by the fact it was such an appalling day up to this moment.

The very first picture taken with shaking hands and my heart in my mouth. I needn't have worried though, he settled several times and allowed me to get close most times. Sorry Wurzel, I wasn't even going to try and pick a fav

I think I can imagine how exciting it must be to spot a Large Tortoiseshell in the UK.
I should think you are understandably chuffed, Bugboy
Is the location being kept secret ? Your second-to-last photo may show a territorial defensive head-down posture.

In the south of France I am beginning to grasp this species a little. I have a couple of places where I can more or less predict appearances from hibernating individuals according to a combination of date / temperature.
Suitable conditions for an appearance include temperatures near to 16°C around mid February.
Down here this species seems to hang around oak trees and probably hibernates in nooks and crannies in the bark, then comes down and often basks on the leaf litter.
February 16th February 17th (FZ150)
Chris

Chris Jackson wrote:I think I can imagine how exciting it must be to spot a Large Tortoiseshell in the UK.
I should think you are understandably chuffed, Bugboy
Is the location being kept secret ? Your second-to-last photo may show a territorial defensive head-down posture Chris

No Chris, the location was deliberately well 'advertised', with the intention being (I believe) to get as many eye's there as possible for the the best chance of knowing if there was more than one about (3 separate individuals were eventually seen). It would also mean that with so many of us around there was little chance of a collector sneaking in unnoticed.

I was waiting for you to make your grand entrance, Bugboy!

I didn't see this species even during my two visits to France this year, so to see one in the UK is particularly special.

Very possibly the UKB sighting of the year in my opinion.

Keep your eyes peeled for it in future. It can surely only be a matter of time before we have evidence of this majestic butterfly breeding once again on our shores!