Large Tortoiseshell butterfly no longer considered extinct in UK
It follows sightings in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Cornwall
For more than 30 years, the Large Tortoiseshell butterfly was classed as extinct in the UK.
However, recent sightings across southern England suggest that this vibrant species may now be making a comeback.
Nature enthusiasts have captured pictures of the butterfly in Kent, Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset, Cornwall, and the Isle of Wight in recent weeks.
Butterfly Conservation's Head of Science has hinted that if the charity were to update its endangered species list, the Large Tortoiseshell would likely lose its extinct status.
Professor Richard Fox said, "This is great news about a beautiful and charismatic butterfly: if the individuals that are being seen can survive and reproduce then there's no downside to the Large Tortoiseshell coming back, and we can look at what we might be able to do to help it."
History of the Large Tortoiseshell
The Large Tortoiseshell, known scientifically as Nymphalis polychloros, boasts orange, black, and blue wings.
Though it once flourished across England and Wales, the last recorded resident population vanished in the 1980s due to factors like the spread of Dutch elm disease.
The butterfly primarily lays its eggs on elm trees, making them vulnerable to elm disease outbreaks.
In recent years, the population has thrived in the Netherlands, raising suspicions that some are migrating to England.
Recent Developments
The Large Tortoiseshell, which overwinters as an adult, has been increasingly spotted in spring. This coincides with its emergence from hibernation.
The Butterfly Conservation charity added the species to its First Sightings web page after sightings began in late February.
On 24th February, the Isle of Wight was the first place where the butterfly was reported this year.
Members of the public have reported numerous sightings on the Isle of Wight, Kent, and Hampshire, while Butterfly Conservation’s Sussex Branch members have also shared their observations.
Despite being officially labelled 'regionally extinct' in Great Britain, this increasing visibility may soon change that status, according to Prof Fox.
He stated, "I would imagine that, if things carry on with this trajectory, then when we compile our next GB Red List we not classify the Large Tortoiseshell as regionally extinct. I think it’s reasonable to assume that the species is now established in several parts of Britain."
The charity will continue monitoring its status and determine the level of assistance the butterfly may need.
Prof Fox added, "When a new species colonises, there is a period of uncertainty: many species that colonise take off and become common but some remain highly localised and can even then be lost; at the moment, for Large Tortoiseshell, we're in that wait-and-see phase."