Large tortoiseshell

The blackleg tortoiseshell or large tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. Although it looks very like the small tortoiseshell (Nymphalis urticae), it is more closely related to the Camberwell beauty. It is found in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It is an extreme rarity in Britain, although it used to be widespread throughout England and Wales. Most of the specimens seen in Britain are thought to be captive-bred releases.