Large Tortoiseshell PUPAE (Nymphalis polychloros)

The Large Tortoiseshell, Nymphalis polychloros, is one of the rarest butterflies native to the UK - this species was extinct here by the 1950's with only occasional sightings of migrant butterflies from mainland Europe. Fortunately, in the last couple of years the Large Tortoiseshell has been recorded breeding in England again, albeit in tiny numbers. We have obtained breeding stock from France, with pupae available in May and larvae from next spring. Due to the univoltine nature of this species this will be the only brood of pupae until next spring!

Larvae are easy to rear on various host plants - we typically use Willow - and grow quickly to pupate in around 3 weeks. Pupae are large for a European Nymphalid, producing colourful, robust butterflies. The adult butterflies enjoy feeding on fruit juices and should be offered nectar solution in their enclosure so they can feed at will - they have a long lifespan with adult butterflies living until the following spring to produce the next generation. 

Difficulty - Rearing is easy (1/10); breeding can be tricky (7/10)