Extinct' Butterfly Returns to Southern England

A butterfly declared extinct in Britain is making a stunning comeback, with sightings popping up across six counties in southern England.

The large tortoiseshell butterfly, which disappeared from the UK in the 1980s, has now been spotted in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, and Cornwall. Butterfly Conservation has officially reclassified it as a resident breeding species after 20 sightings in recent weeks alone.

The butterfly once thrived across England and Wales, laying its eggs on elm trees. Scientists believe its disappearance linked to Dutch elm disease, which swept through Europe in the 20th century and decimated elm populations.

While rare sightings occurred over the years, they were thought to be occasional migrants from Europe. The recent flurry of reports tells a different story: these butterflies are back and breeding.

Prof Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, believes climate change may be helping. "We don't know why the butterfly was lost from Britain, so it's difficult to know why it has come back as well, but it's likely to be the climate that is pushing those increased numbers across its European range and we are benefitting," he said.

Trevor Collett, a dedicated conservationist, drove 90 minutes from Surrey to Kent specifically to spot one. After five hours of searching through woodland near Ashford, he was about to give up when he walked down one more path and found his prize.

He watched the butterfly for 15 minutes, describing a "degree of elation" at witnessing the rare moment. His persistence paid off with a sighting many thought impossible just decades ago.

The Bright Side

The large tortoiseshell's return offers a rare bright spot in an otherwise troubling picture for British butterflies. While many species continue declining due to habitat loss and climate pressures, this unexpected comeback proves that nature can surprise us with resilience.

The butterfly's reappearance also demonstrates how ecosystems can recover when conditions shift in their favor. As elm trees slowly recover in some areas and climate patterns change, the large tortoiseshell found its way back home.

Sometimes the species we thought we'd lost forever can find their way back to us.