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Rare Tortoiseshell Butterfly Returns to Britain After 58 Years

3/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The large tortoiseshell butterfly has returned to Britain and is now resident after 58 years, according to Butterfly Conservation.
Early spring sightings have been reported in Kent and Sussex.
It feeds on elm and willow trees and was extinct in the UK by the 1960s.
Since 2020, caterpillars have been found in the wild, indicating successful breeding.
Butterfly Conservation asks the public to report sightings via the iRecord app.

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Story summary

The large tortoiseshell butterfly has returned to Britain and is now resident after 58 years, according to Butterfly Conservation.
Early spring sightings have been reported in Kent and Sussex.
It feeds on elm and willow trees and was extinct in the UK by the 1960s.
Since 2020, caterpillars have been found in the wild, indicating successful breeding.
Butterfly Conservation asks the public to report sightings via the iRecord app.