UK Lepidoptera Population Booms Amid Summer Heatwaves

The UK is home to 60 species of butterflies and over 2,500 species of moths. While most people associate moths with being elusive brown creatures that are only active at night, many moth species are actually active during the day and have vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

This summer's heatwaves provided ideal conditions for lepidoptera to search for nectar, find mates, and lay eggs. However, heatwaves and droughts caused by climate change can be detrimental to plants, which are essential food sources for caterpillars.

The hummingbird hawk-moth has been a notable sighting this year, with its ability to hover over flowers allowing it to suck up nectar using its proboscis. Experts attribute the increased sightings of this moth to the heat and strong winds associated with the heatwaves, which may have pushed more across the Channel from Southern Europe.

The clouded yellow butterfly is another species that has been sighted in large numbers this year. This lemon-and-lime-colored butterfly journeys from Europe and Northern Africa, and its increased sightings may be a result of 'clouded yellow years', where higher numbers reach UK shores than usual.