Scientists have discovered why climate change may be contributing to the decline of some British butterflies and moths, such as Silver-studded Blue and High Brown Fritillary butterflies.
Scientists have discovered why climate change may be contributing to the decline of some British butterflies and moths, such as Silver-studded Blue and High Brown Fritillary butterflies.
Many British butterflies and moths have been responding to warmer temperatures by emerging earlier in the year and for the first time scientists have identified why this is creating winners and losers among species.
The findings will help conservationists identify butterfly and moth species most at risk from climate change, the researchers say.
Shrink in numbers
The study, led by the University of York, found that emerging earlier in the year may be benefitting species which have multiple, rapid breeding cycles per year and are flexible about their habitat (such as the Speckled Wood butterfly), by allowing them more time to bulk up in numbers before winter and expand their range towards the north.
Read more at University of York
Image: Scientists have discovered why climate change may be contributing to the decline of some British butterflies and moths, such as Silver-studded Blue. (Credit: Dr Callum Macgregor, University of York)
