Scarce Tortoiseshell - Nymphalis xanthomelas reaches U.K

The Yellow-legged or Scarce Tortoiseshell - N. xanthomelas was regarded as a declining species in Eastern Europe, however it does seem there has been a turn around. Three years ago it colonized Finland and then a year later Sweden. Now there has been a influx of 20-30 of this butterfly in the Netherlands. Five have been reported to have reached Britain, two in Norfolk and two in Suffolk, with one at the RSPB reserve of Minsmere. There has also been a sighting in Essex. At Minsmere it has hung around for a couple of days. The only other record for the U.K was in July 1953 when one was reported at Sevenoaks in Kent. These recent sightings are a remarkable occurrence.