Once widespread across Britain, the Large Tortoiseshell became extinct by the 1960s. A new colony seems to have formed on Portland, probably from butterflies released by humans rather than naturally arriving. Found in Europe, but declining in numbers.
Not known as a resident UK butterfly for many years, but there have been sightings along the south coast, and we have had them recorded in Dorset for several years in a row, suggesting there is a colony being established. We will not count it as a ‘Dorset butterfly’ until at least five years of sightings are recorded.
The following figures are of sightings reported to the Dorset Branch of Butterfly Conservation, mainly via this website:
- 2018 – 5 sightings
- 2019 – 5 sightings
- 2020 – 39 sightings
- 2021 – 24 sightings
Where to see
- Habitat: Woodland edges and wooded lanes.
- Caterpillar foodplants: Prefers Elm, though has also been found on willows, Poplar and other trees.
- Best places: Only being seen regularly on Portland, often around Church Ope.
Distribution map
Large Tortoiseshell was recorded from these 1km squares in Dorset (2015-19).
- Key:
- 1 record
- 2-9 records
- 10+ records
When to see
The best month seems to be July, but sightings have come in for January, February, March, April, June and August.
Sightings by month (last 5 years)*
This year and last*
What to look for
The other butterfly with which you are most likely to confuse this butterfly is the Small Tortoiseshell; at a glimpse you may also think it is a Comma, but it does not have the Comma’s jagged edges to its wings.
The Large Tortoiseshell is a generally duller butterfly than the Small, looking more orange than red-orange and with less black on the rear wings.
The Small has a very white/silver mark near the tip of the forewing which is lacking in the Large.
You may be able to make out that the Large has four dark marks on the upper forewing, as opposed to the three of the Small and the blue marks around the wing edges tend to be more prominent in the Small.
The Large is a slightly bigger butterfly: 64-70mm wingspan, as opposed to 50-56mm.
The adult butterfly may be found feeding on Sallow flowers in spring, but it is an easily disturbed butterly, so your sighting may be of short duration!
Photo gallery
Click thumbnails to view full-size images.