Now extinct, it is generally accepted, in the UK probably principally as a result of the impact of Dutch Elm disease on its larval hostplant, but fortunately not so in France. In fact, 2006 seemed to be a very good year for polychloros and its absence from the UK makes it an extra special sight. It overwinters as an adult and hibernating adults emerge very early in March. In 2007 and 2008 several individuals were seen, a good year, but not quite up to 2006 standards.

It can be differentiated from its cousin the Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) mainly on size although some urticae seem quite large, but also by the light mark nearest the upf apex which is white in urticae and pale yellow in polychloros. Also the submarginal blue marks seem a lot brighter, especially on the forewing, for urticae than polychloros. It is closely related to the Camberwell Beauty (N. antiopa) and both overwinter in the warmer climes of Var, polychloros often being so battered it is almost unrecognisable. Second generation polychloros are sometimes seen in Var but this has not been my experience with antiopa.

observations

a male, unusually dark it seems to me, certainly compared to 1559. This may have been an altitude effect.

I'm guessing it's a male based on what I can see of the body shape and the rather territorial pose.

this may be a female, based on what seems to be a slightly shorter body length. It has the typically battered appearance of a hibernator.

the underside of 1559, a distance shot as it settled fairly high in a tree.