Large tortoiseshell is rare in Denmark. Wingspan: 56–68 mm. It flies after overwintering in April/May. Despite its resemblance to Small Tortoiseshell, it is a woodland nymphalid associated with open, often only slightly disturbed mixed woodland with several canopy layers, scrub and solitary, sun-exposed tall old trees (oak, pine or elm) on calcareous clay soil.
Status in this countryRare in DenmarkRE (Regionally extinct)
Flight period
Large tortoiseshell emerges after overwintering in April/May. A new generation emerges from late July or early August.
Habitat
Despite its resemblance to Small Tortoiseshell, Large tortoiseshell is a woodland nymphalid. It is associated with open, often only slightly disturbed mixed woodland with several canopy layers, scrub and solitary, sun-exposed tall old trees (oak, pine or elm) on calcareous clay soil.
Identifying features
Wingspan: 56–68 mm. Large tortoiseshell is about the size of a small mourning cloak.
Similar species
Large tortoiseshell is known from Small Tortoiseshell regarding its size and its more uniform upper surface. Small Tortoiseshell also has only 3 black spots on its forewings (under the zebra-striped band), while large tortoiseshell has 4.
Distribution
Large tortoiseshell is widespread throughout Europe to southern Scandinavia. In Denmark, the most observations were from Bornholm, Lolland-Falster, and South Zealand.
Biology
Large tortoiseshell emerges from the pupa in late July or early August, at roughly the same time as Peacock butterfly. It flies for a short period in late summer.
