Home / Environment / Hot Summer Boosts Butterfly Count, Experts Warn
Hot Summer Boosts Butterfly Count, Experts Warn
26 Sep
Summary
- Butterfly and moth numbers were high across Devon and Cornwall this summer.
- Nearly 5,000 people participated in Devon's big butterfly count.
- Experts worry prolonged hot, dry weather could cause a population crash.
This past summer, Devon and Cornwall experienced exceptionally high numbers of butterflies and day-flying moths, a trend largely attributed to favourable spring conditions for caterpillars followed by warm weather for adult insects.
Nearly 5,000 individuals in Devon and 3,000 in Cornwall actively participated in the Butterfly Conservation's big butterfly count, meticulously recording over 120,000 insects across the two counties. The Gatekeeper was the most frequently observed species in both regions.
Despite this surge, experts express significant concern that the ongoing hot and dry weather patterns, exacerbated by climate breakdown, could trigger a severe population crash for many species. Past droughts have had lasting negative impacts, and with 80% of UK butterfly populations already declining since the 1970s, resilience is a major issue.
The charity highlights that while Painted Ladies, a migratory species, had a strong year, the long-term outlook is somber. They urge public action, including planting trees, installing water butts, and reducing mowing, to aid wildlife recovery amidst these mounting environmental pressures.
