According to the charity Butterfly Conservation, the large tortoiseshell butterfly has recently been seen in counties including Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset and Cornwall, as well as on the Isle of Wight.
BBC has reported that the surge in sightings has led experts to conclude that the species is now breeding in the UK again rather than appearing only as an occasional migrant.
The Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly was once widespread across England and Wales but was last recorded breeding in Britain in the 1980s.
Its decline has largely been linked to the spread of Dutch Elm Disease across Europe during the 20th century, which devastated elm trees, an important host plant where the butterfly lays its eggs.
Although rare sightings have occurred over the years, conservationists say the recent cluster of around 20 reports suggests the species may be re-establishing itself.
Professor Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, told BBC that scientists are unsure why the butterfly disappeared from Britain in the first place. However, he believes climate change may now be helping expand its range again across Europe.
One enthusiast, Trevor Collett, travelled more than 90 minutes from Surrey to woodland near Ashford in Kent in search of the butterfly.
After hours of searching, he finally spotted one and described the moment as a “degree of elation.”
Conservationists say the renewed sightings offer a rare piece of good news at a time when many butterfly species are declining.
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