The butterfly-loving community in Britain is filled with joy as the stunning large tortoiseshell butterfly makes what appears to be a lasting comeback to the region after being wiped out by Dutch elm disease. This vibrant species, which has not called the UK home since the 1960s, is now being spotted regularly, signaling that it may no longer be just a migratory visitor.
Recently observed in various locations including Kent, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Hampshire, and Cornwall, the large tortoiseshell butterfly has been officially recognized as the 60th resident species in the UK by Butterfly Conservation.
Richard Fox, the head of science for Butterfly Conservation, shared his excitement: “The signs are really positive, which is lovely. It is now considered a resident species, adding to Britain’s biodiversity. While it’s not yet firmly established enough to declare it permanently back and widespread across multiple landscapes, the indications are certainly thrilling.”
The caterpillars of this butterfly thrive on trees, feeding on the leaves of elm, willow, aspen, and poplar. Experts in lepidopterology, the study of butterflies, believe that Britain marks the northernmost extent of their habitat. With Europe experiencing warmer than average temperatures, the UK has become an increasingly suitable environment for these butterflies compared to the 20th century.
Although sightings have been reported since 2006, it was difficult to determine if they were part of a recolonization due to their migratory nature. However, in 2020, the discovery of wild caterpillars in Dorset confirmed that the species was indeed breeding in the wild, leading to its graceful return as a resident species.
Butterfly Conservation encourages residents in these regions to report any sightings of the large tortoiseshell butterfly through the iRecord app, a citizen-science platform that helps track the expanding range of this magnificent insect.
Celebrate this delightful comeback by sharing the news with your friends and family on social media!
