Large Tortoiseshell

• Latin name: Nymphalis polychloros
• Family group: Nymphalids
• Countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
• Size: Medium, Large

Extinct  (1980s)

This large, mobile butterfly is now seen very rarely and is thought to be extinct in Britain. Sightings in recent years are thought to be of released or escaped individuals, or migrants from continental Europe.

Adults are recorded mainly in spring when they emerge from hibernation and feed on willow flowers, from which they soar rapidly into the treetops at the least disturbance. They may also be seen in late summer feeding before hibernation.

In common with other nymphalids, the undersides of the wings are cryptically coloured.

Conservation status

• UK Biodiversity Action Plan: not assessed
• Butterfly Conservation Priority: high (if refound)
• European threat status: not threatened

European/world range

Across Europe, except for northern Scandinavia, though it is increasingly scarce in northern Europe. It also occurs in North Africa and eastwards into Asia. There has been a marked decline in a number of European countries.

Foodplants

Elms (Ulmus spp.) are the main foodplants, especially Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra). Other trees may be used in the wild, including willows (Salix spp.), Aspen (Populus tremula), poplars (Populus spp.), and birches (Betula spp.).

Habitat

In mainland Europe (and in the past in Britain), clearings and the edges of mature deciduous woodland are favoured, as are lines of trees, for example along hedgerows, avenues in parkland, and wooded lanes. Willows are usually abundant at breeding localities and their flowers are the main nectar source for adults emerging from hibernation.