"Large whites were the most common butterflies spotted in the UK this year with a record number of sightings, more than doubling from last year's Big Butterfly Count. Recognisable by their creamy white wings with black L-shaped markings, they are also commonly referred to as cabbage butterflies or cabbage whites due to their staple diet. Their numbers are up 47% over the past 15 years Photograph: Keith Warmington/Butterfly Conservation"
"Gatekeepers took the number one spot in the count last year. While the number of Gatekeepers spotted this year has remained similar to last year, the population has suffered a decline of around a quarter over the past 15 years. Gatekeepers are so named as they are often spotted around gates and hedgerows where there is an abundance of flowers. Photograph: William Cave/Guardian Community"
"Red admirals have fared among the best in the count with a steady year-on-year increase of sightings reported, and a 52% increase in their numbers over the past 15 years. This is probably due to global heating meaning they can delay their winter migration to warmer regions in southern Europe and north Africa, and can sometimes even overwinter in the UK. Photograph: Butterfly Conservation"
Large whites recorded a record number of sightings in the UK this year, more than doubling from last year's count and rising 47% over 15 years. Small whites also reached their highest-ever recorded sightings, with numbers more than double last year. Gatekeeper numbers remained similar to last year but have declined by about a quarter over 15 years. Red admirals increased steadily, up 52% over 15 years, likely benefiting from warmer conditions that delay migration and enable occasional overwintering in the UK. Meadow brown results were poor, possibly due to earlier flight periods caused by weather.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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