A rare butterfly believed to have been extinct for three decades has been sighted in various locations in England. The Large Tortoiseshell, which had only sporadic sightings in the past 30 years, is now potentially no longer extinct, according to experts.
Butterfly enthusiasts have recently photographed the Large Tortoiseshell in Kent, Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset, Cornwall, and the Isle of Wight. While there have been occasional sightings over the years, these sightings are becoming more frequent, indicating a possible comeback for the species.
The Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation stated that if the organization were to update its endangered species list, the Large Tortoiseshell would likely be removed from the extinct category. Known for its vibrant orange, black, and blue wings, the Large Tortoiseshell was once widespread in England and Wales but was last officially recorded in the UK in the 1980s.
The butterfly primarily lays its eggs on elm trees, and its decline was linked to the spread of Dutch elm disease in Europe. Although individual sightings have occurred, there has been no evidence of a stable breeding population until recently. Ecologists now speculate that an increasing number of Large Tortoiseshells from the Netherlands are migrating to England.
Reported sightings of the Large Tortoiseshell have surged in recent years, with the butterfly emerging from hibernation in early spring. Butterfly Conservation has included the species on its First Sightings web page, documenting sightings across the UK.
The Large Tortoiseshell, currently listed as “regionally extinct” in Great Britain, is expected to be reevaluated in the next Red List assessment. If the current trend continues, the butterfly may no longer be classified as regionally extinct, indicating a successful reestablishment in parts of Britain.
Prof Fox highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the species’ colonization, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring. As the Large Tortoiseshell population grows, experts remain cautiously optimistic about its future in the UK.