Get set for a painted lady summer: big year for orange butterflies in Britain
Summary
Painted lady butterflies are arriving in Britain in the largest numbers seen in 17 years. Warm weather, favorable winds, and breeding success in southern Europe have helped these butterflies migrate north, with more expected to appear soon.Key Facts
- Painted lady butterflies migrate from sub-Saharan Africa to northern Europe each year.
- This summer, their arrival in Britain is the biggest in 17 years.
- Warm spring weather in southern Europe and helpful winds brought many butterflies north.
- Butterflies grow from egg to adult in 4 to 6 weeks when the weather is warm.
- Large numbers have been seen along Britain’s east coast and in northern England.
- These butterflies help gardeners and farmers by eating thistles as caterpillars.
- Other rare insects, like the eastern bordered straw moth and striped hawkmoth, are also appearing in southern England.
- The butterfly numbers could increase further by July, coinciding with a major insect count by volunteers.
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