Warmer summers cause butterfly increase in Scotland - NatureScot
A new report finds that many butterfly species are flourishing in Scotland – but this trend is likely to be short-lived without measures to reduce the effects of climate change.
Sun-loving insects like butterflies are benefitting from hotter summers. However, this surge probably won’t continue with the increased frequency of drought and fires resulting from climate change. More drought and fires would lead to the death of adult butterflies, as well as the plants their caterpillars feed on.
Areas that are rich in butterflies and moths provide many benefits, including pollination and natural pest control. Butterflies and caterpillars are also an important element in the food chain as prey for birds and bats and other animals. As well, due to their rapid and sensitive response to subtle habitat or climatic changes, butterflies are useful indicators of environmental change and broader biodiversity changes.
The latest Scottish Biodiversity Indicator published by NatureScot today (19 August) examines the long-term trend for butterflies since 1979. The report finds that, from 1979 to 2021, there has been an increase across all species of 43 percent.
Simon Foster, NatureScot Trends and Indicators Analyst, said: “We know that climate change and habitat loss have and will hugely affect butterfly populations. Despite this short-term increase in butterflies, we need to be working now to help butterfly populations deal with the increasing influences of climate change.
Read the full Scottish Biodiversity Indicator - Butterflies.
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Posted On: 19/08/2022