UK Butterflies and Climate Change

 

Some British butterflies. including the Comma (Polygonia c-album); Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) and  Holly blue (Celastrina argiolus), are continuing their march into Scotland. This relocation seems driven by global warming, forcing these insects ever northwards  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/09/midsummer-butterlies-spotted-early-in-britain-after-sunny-spring). The fact that many British butterflies are now emerging 2-3 weeks early, concerns entomologists. These insects could be decoupling their emergences with pathogens, predators and/or food availability. Most of these insects seem to be in decline and climate change isn't helping.