The Large Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros)

The Large Tortoiseshell flies from June to July in one generation, rests during summer, rarely appears in September or October. The butterfly hibernates hidden away from the cold in woodpiles, sometimes several individuals together. For several successive years 2 to 4 butterflies have been found in the same shelter in the woodpile shown in the film. This is one of the first butterflies flying on sunny days in February or March. In 2007 and 2008 it was abundant in the Var, since it is more rare. The sexes are similar. The males patrol their large territory. In the spring 2013, a court-flight has been observed; the male flew in a slow and graceful way around the female. They disappeared together in a swift flight out of sight. The female chooses different trees for egg laying: Elm, Willow, Poplar, the Hackberry and various fruit trees. The caterpillars live in communities on the foliage of the host plant. For more information visit our website Filming VarWild. http://www.filming-varwild.com