LARGE TORTOISESHELL FOUND ON LUNCHTIME WALK!!!

Posted by Graeme Lyons , Thursday 15 March 2018 15:59

Today I decided it was time to go for along overdue walk around Woods Mill. I haven't been doing it half as much as I used to, work has just got so busy. So, I decided to head out after finishing my conservation committee work (which is on this evening). I didn't have my binoculars, yet I wasn't too worried about this. I kicked up a Jack Snipe in the valley field, first I have seen in years. I was heading back pleased with this record when at 1.45 pm I saw a butterfly in the distance. It's only the second butterfly I have seen this year so I was quite pleased. I walked past a Bombus hypnorum and eventually got closer to the butterfly. I was expecting a Peacock or a Red Admiral. It was clearly a Large Tortoiseshell. Now, I'm really regretting not having my binoculars at this point. My camera is in the bowels of my back but I managed to get it out and take a record shot before creeping forwards. This is the photo I took.

I took one step and it was off! It flew past me to the left at an incredible speed. I took this photo as it flew by me...

Now at this point I drop my bag and ran (in wellies) as fast as I could as it flew south east. I got half way down the valley field before I lost it. It was zigzaging so much I must have looked like I was dodging a sniper. I was thinking that my shot was not going to be good enough to separate Large from Scarce (not realising the Scarce influx was likely a one hit wonder). I got everyone excited looking for it but it wasn't seen again. Turns out that the above photo is enough to clinch the I.D. This is the 50th butterfly species on a Sussex Wildlife Trust reserve and my 56th.

I can't remember the last time saw a new butterfly, it might even be the Long-tailed Blue back in 2014, let alone a self found one when you're not expecting it! This is definitely the way to start the field season!

7 Response to "LARGE TORTOISESHELL FOUND ON LUNCHTIME WALK!!!"

David Bryant Says:

That's absolutely fantastic: a great record.

Steve Gale Says:

As the yoof might say, "Well jell"

Conehead54 Says:

Great find! Presumably it had over-wintered nearby?

Graeme Lyons Says:

Thanks guys! Didn't see that one coming.

Unknown Says:

What are the key difference between large and small tortoiseshells? Is it just size or are markings slightly different?

Peter Hunt Says:

Great spot.A magnificent butterfly.

TREVOR Says:

Your Butterfly season has climaxed before it has started !. Superb find.

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