Saint Petersburg Zoological Museum

Case of butterflies with Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell (bottom left)

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Zoological Museum in Saint Petersburg, home of the famous Berezovka mammoth (an adult male mammoth aged about 40 which died by a tributary of the Kolyma river 44,000 years ago). It was discovered by a hunter in 1900 and brought to Saint Petersburg in 1902.

The displayed collections of mounted birds and mammals are extensive and quite impressive, though the museum itself and some of the exhibits are in poor condition and have an air of neglect. In particular, I found the collection of Russian butterflies on display disappointing.

Around the city we have encountered relatively little wildlife and few butterflies, exceptions being a Camberwell Beauty and this Painted Lady in the Botanical Gardens:

Painted Lady, Saint Petersburg

 

Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell reaches Rutland

Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell, Rutland

During the past week or so there has been an unprecedented influx of Yellow-legged (or Scarce) Tortoiseshells on the east coast of England. Congratulations to Chris Gardiner who photographed this one in a private garden in Belmesthorpe yesterday – a first for Rutland.

Others may follow, so if you find a ‘large tortoiseshell’ look for white (not yellow) markings near the apex of the forewing, a diffuse dark border on the hindwing, and pale legs. Scroll down to compare a Large Tortoiseshell which I photographed recently in Normandy.

If you are lucky enough to discover one, please try to take some photographs so that records can be confirmed.