To our suprise, we’ve had not one, but two reports of Large Tortoiseshells, both on 5 March, but some way apart.

One was spotted at Hengistbury Head by Mike Kirby; as he says, it is a bit the worse for wear. The other was reported by Shona Refoy, who saw it at Ballard Down, near Swanage. So both on the south coast, but some 30 miles apart and definitely different specimens.

Large Tortoiseshell. Photo: Mike Kirby

March is the best month to see this butterfly, so keep a look out. If you need to know how to tell the Large from the Small Tortoiseshell, see our species page.

If you see one, please try to get a photo of it so we can confirm your identification, and do report it through this website – we will be unlikely to pick it up if you only put it on social media.