UK Butterflies

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Scarce Tortoiseshell

Nymphalis xanthomelas

nim-FAY-liss zan-thoh-ME-lass

Checklist Number
59.030

Scarce Tortoiseshell

Nymphalis xanthomelas

nim-FAY-liss zan-thoh-ME-lass

Checklist Number
59.030


Up until 2014 this butterfly, also known as the Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell, had a single confirmed sighting of a female specimen that was caught in Shipbourne, near Sevenoaks in West Kent on 2nd July 1953. It is believed that this individual could feasibly have occurred as a natural migrant, rather than an accidental introduction. Some 61 years later, in July 2014, the ability of this butterfly to reach our shores was confirmed when sightings of this species were reported from a number of counties in south-east England, following an influx in the Netherlands. This species is resident in central and eastern Europe, but is occasionally sighted in Finland, Denmark, Germany and Sweden.

This species was first defined in Denis & Schiffermüller (1775) as shown here (type locality: Vienna, Austria).

Description to be completed.

This species is a rare migrant to Britain and/or Ireland.

1.2 Rare Migrant

Description to be completed.

No conservation action is relevant for this species.

Description to be completed.

Description to be completed.

Description to be completed.

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The primary larval foodplant is sallows (Salix spp.).

1st Instar

Description to be completed.

2nd Instar

Description to be completed.

3rd Instar

Description to be completed.

4th Instar

Description to be completed.

5th Instar

Description to be completed.

Description to be completed.