A huge surge of sightings of Red Admiral butterflies is caused by climate change, a wildlife charity has said.
Butterfly Conservation says that its Big Butterfly Count has reported 170,000 sightings of the migrant species – a 400% increase.
The Red Admiral is a familiar and popular butterfly across the UK, being found in all types of habitat, but it travels to the UK from North Africa and continental Europe.
Each spring, and continuing through the summer, Red Admirals migrate north where the females lay eggs. Consequently, there is an emergence of fresh butterflies from July onwards.
However, in recent years, scientists are seeing an indication that numbers have increased, and that the species is now overwintering in the UK, particularly in the south of England.
With temperatures increasing, the Red Admiral’s need to return to its southerly winter habitat is reducing, which means it is possible we will see a greater number of the species spending the winter in the UK.
Dr Zoë Randle, senior surveys officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “We’ve been surprised to see the Red Admiral taking the lead, however with the increased frequency of warm weather, the UK may well become a permanent home for this species.
“The results so far show just how vital the Big Butterfly Count is. We couldn’t get the depth and breadth of data we’re collecting without the help of the general public.
“We’re calling on people across the UK to please get out for the count and record your butterfly sightings over the next few days.
“With climate change here to stay, we need people to take part more than ever before and help us understand how extreme weather is affecting our butterflies.”
So far, citizen scientists across the UK have completed more than 85,000 counts and recorded over a million butterflies and day-flying moths.
The Big Butterfly Count runs until Sunday August 6.
For more information and to take part visit the website or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
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