Pete's Walks - Large Tortoiseshell
Photo taken on 4/03/2026 at Orlestone Forest, Kent
The Large Toroiseshell was once widespread across most of England, but was thought to have become extinct here in the 1960s. There are still sightings reported every year, mainly near the south coast, but these butterflies (including the ones I've seen) are thought to be from unofficial attempts to re-introduce them rather than genuine immigrants from the continent.
Photo taken on 4/03/2026 at Orlestone Forest, Kent. This was the first one I ever saw, but it had had its wings bitten, so it doesn't show the blue markings at the bottom of the hindwings
Photo taken on 4/03/2026 at Orlestone Forest, Kent. An underwings shot of the same wing-damaged butterfly in the previous photo.
Photo taken on 4/03/2026 at Orlestone Forest, Kent