Britain's Butterfly Bonanza: A Cautionary Tale of Climate Change The recent record breaking heatwaves in Britain have brought about a remarkable profusion of butterflies, with this summer's Big Butterfly Count recording the second best butterfly season in 16 years.
Beneath this idyllic scene lies a more complex reality. Adult butterflies have benefited from the prolonged heatwave, which has provided an ideal environment for flying, feeding, and breeding.
The painted lady, for example, has seen a staggering 335% increase in numbers compared to last year. This migratory species arrives in Britain each summer via a relay of generations flying from sub Saharan Africa.