{"product_id":"large-tortoiseshell-pupae-nymphalis-polychloros","title":"Large Tortoiseshell PUPAE (Nymphalis polychloros)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"b836d355-d6ae-44cd-8b0b-24141f262445\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-5\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Large Tortoiseshell, \u003cem\u003eNymphalis polychloros, \u003c\/em\u003eis 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. \u003cstrong\u003eDue to the univoltine nature of this species this will be the only brood of pupae until next spring!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarvae 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 \u003cem\u003eNymphalid, \u003c\/em\u003eproducing 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty - \u003c\/strong\u003eRearing is easy (1\/10); breeding can be tricky (7\/10)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHost plants - \u003c\/strong\u003eWillow; Sallow; Birch; Elm; Poplars. (Elm is preferred for butterflies laying eggs but caterpillars are less fussy.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConditions - \u003c\/strong\u003eRoom temperature or outside; keep caterpillars in airy conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifecycle - \u003c\/strong\u003eSingle brood annually with adult butterflies living for many months.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bugs \u0026 Butterflies UK","offers":[{"title":"2 Pupae \/ Spring\/Summer","offer_id":57586762121564,"sku":null,"price":12.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Pupae \/ Spring\/Summer","offer_id":57586762154332,"sku":null,"price":27.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Pupae \/ Spring\/Summer","offer_id":57586762187100,"sku":null,"price":49.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/8671\/1644\/files\/837514CF-02DB-4304-9D09-2AB18533A74C.jpg?v=1779661263","url":"https:\/\/bugsandbutterflies.uk\/products\/large-tortoiseshell-pupae-nymphalis-polychloros","provider":"Bugs \u0026 Butterflies UK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}