Large tortoiseshell butterfly: The Return of the

Oliver Kensington — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:19:14 +0000

The Return of the Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly

“The signs are really positive, which is lovely. It is resident and therefore it is another species to add to Britain’s total,” stated Professor Richard Fox, a leading expert from Butterfly Conservation, highlighting the remarkable resurgence of the large tortoiseshell butterfly in Britain.

Once believed to be extinct in the UK for over 30 years, the large tortoiseshell butterfly has made a notable comeback, with confirmed breeding activities reported since 2020. This butterfly species, which primarily lays its eggs on elm trees, had not been seen in Britain since the 1980s. Its absence was largely attributed to the devastating effects of Dutch elm disease, which decimated elm populations across the country.

Recent sightings of the large tortoiseshell have been documented in various regions, including Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Cornwall, and the Isle of Wight. These reports are significant as they confirm the butterfly’s return to its former habitats, contributing to the total number of resident butterfly species in Britain, which now stands at 60.

Professor Fox elaborated on the implications of this resurgence, stating, “If the individuals that are being seen can survive and reproduce then there’s no downside to the Large Tortoiseshell coming back.” This sentiment reflects a broader optimism among conservationists regarding the butterfly’s future in the UK.

Experts believe that factors such as climate change and increasing populations of large tortoiseshell butterflies in Europe may facilitate their recolonization of Britain. This ecological shift is seen as a positive development, not only for the species itself but also for the overall biodiversity of the region.

Despite this encouraging news, details remain unconfirmed regarding the precise reasons for the large tortoiseshell’s earlier disappearance. The butterfly’s vulnerability to environmental changes and diseases continues to be a concern, particularly given its reliance on elm trees for reproduction.

As conservation efforts continue, the large tortoiseshell butterfly’s return serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of ongoing ecological stewardship. Professor Fox concluded, “I would imagine that, if things carry on with this trajectory, then when we compile our next GB Red List we will not classify the Large Tortoiseshell as regionally extinct.” This statement underscores the hope that with continued support and favorable conditions, the large tortoiseshell butterfly will thrive once more in Britain.

The post Large tortoiseshell butterfly: The Return of the appeared first on propnews.co.uk.

Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly Declared Resident Species in the UK

Oliver Kensington — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:21:36 +0000

Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly Declared Resident Species in the UK

The large tortoiseshell butterfly is now a resident species in the UK after being declared extinct in the last century. This remarkable comeback is underscored by the butterfly’s recent sightings in woodlands across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Cornwall, and the Isle of Wight.

This is the first time in Butterfly Conservation‘s 58-year history that the large tortoiseshell has been classified as resident rather than migratory. Richard Fox, a representative from Butterfly Conservation, stated, “It is resident and therefore it is another species to add to Britain’s total, which is good news.” The return of this species has increased Britain’s native butterfly count to 60.

The large tortoiseshell butterfly, larger than its smaller counterpart, the small tortoiseshell, is distinguished by its lack of white markings. Historically, this butterfly flourished in Britain during the 1940s but was considered extinct by the 1960s, primarily due to factors such as Dutch elm disease.

Recent observations indicate that the large tortoiseshell’s return is likely linked to rising populations in the Netherlands and France, along with favorable climate changes. Caterpillars of the species have been found feeding in the wild since 2020, confirming that the butterfly is breeding again in Britain. Fox remarked, “The signs are really positive, which is lovely.”

The large tortoiseshell’s caterpillars feed on various trees, including elm, willow, aspen, and poplar. As an adult, the butterfly hibernates and emerges in spring to mate and lay eggs, with adults from this year’s offspring expected to take flight during midsummer.

Butterfly Conservation is actively encouraging the public to log sightings of the large tortoiseshell using the iRecord app, which could further aid in monitoring the species’ recovery. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding whether the large tortoiseshell will be widespread across multiple landscapes in the UK.

As observers continue to monitor the situation, the excitement surrounding the large tortoiseshell’s return reflects a broader trend in conservation efforts aimed at restoring native species to their former habitats. Richard Fox noted, “We’re still in that zone of uncertainty at the moment, but there are exciting signs.” The future of the large tortoiseshell in the UK remains hopeful as conservationists work to ensure its survival and expansion.

The post Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly Declared Resident Species in the UK appeared first on propnews.co.uk.

species recovery Stories - propnews.co.uk

Large tortoiseshell butterfly: The Return of the

The Return of the Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly

Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly Declared Resident Species in the UK

Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly Declared Resident Species in the UK