MIXED PICTURE FOR BUTTERFLIES

Warm summers are the likely cause of an increase in Scotland’s butterfly population – but there’s a mixed picture across its species. The latest Scottish Biodiversity Indicator published by NatureScot showed some species are moving northwards as our climate changes, including the small skipper, Essex skipper and white-letter hairstreak. Regular migrant butterflies – such as the red admiral – are also increasing over the long-term as a response to climate change. Species in long-term decline include the small tortoiseshell, which may be due to poorer overwinter survival in warmer and wetter winters. nature.scot