British butterfly populations are thriving this spring due to the sunniest spring since 1910, which allowed them to emerge early, survive longer, and lay more eggs. While this is a positive short-term development, the article notes that the long-term trend for British butterflies remains concerning, with over half of native species in decline, highlighting broader insect population collapse.
Butterflywatch: British populations thrive thanks to record sunny spring
ButterfliesInsectsWildlifeEnvironmentUK
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British butterfly populations are thriving this spring due to the sunniest spring since 1910, which allowed them to emerge early, survive longer, and lay more eggs. While this is a positive short-term development, the article notes that the long-term trend for British butterflies remains concerning, with over half of native species in decline, highlighting broader insect population collapse.
Trending- 1 Sunniest spring since records began in 1910.
- 2 Matthew Oates observed butterflies for 36 consecutive days from Good Friday to late May.
- 3 Last summer was the second-worst year for common butterflies since 1976.
- Short-term boost in butterfly numbers
- Continued long-term concern for insect populations
- Highlights the need for action against chemical use, pollution, and habitat destruction
What: British butterfly populations are experiencing a good year due to a record sunny and dry spring, leading to early emergence, longer survival, and increased egg-laying.
When: Spring 2025 (record sunny spring since 1910); ongoing long-term decline since 1976.
Where: Britain.
Why: The exceptionally sunny and dry weather allowed butterflies to thrive, but the overall trend of decline is due to global heating, chemical use, pollution, and habitat destruction.
How: Favorable weather conditions (sunshine, dry initially, then rain for caterpillars) directly benefited butterfly life cycles.