British butterflies have been appearing an average of four-and-a-half weeks early this spring, conservationists have claimed, with at least 11 species making their earliest recorded appearance.
At least 11 of Britain’s butterfly species have made their earliest recorded appearances this spring, experts have claimed.

Butterfly Conservation said that of the 59 resident and migrant species in the UK, 39 have so far appeared, with all except one spotted earlier than they would have done ten years ago.

Record-breaking species include the Lulworth skipper – spotted seven weeks early – the speckled wood, the green hairstreak, large skipper and holly blue, the Independent reports.

On average, the species arrived over four-and-a-half weeks earlier than they would have done a decade ago, something that is being attributed to climate change.

Martin Warren, chief executive of the charity, commented: “Species are not only emerging early, but several species are extending their geographic range northwards. The small skipper, the comma and the holly blue butterflies have all crossed the border into Scotland in the past few years, very probably as a result of the changing climate.”

Warmer than usual weather has also seen a number of other changes experienced in the garden, such as the need to keep cutting grass all year round for many gardeners in the south of the UK.

source : uktv.co.uk