Butterfly from Southern Europe spotted in UK for first time

Written by: Sarah Johnson

A butterfly species that was previously only found in Southern Europe has been spotted in the UK for the first time, as reported by Butterfly Conservation. The Southern Small White butterfly has been gradually moving northwards across Europe over recent decades, with the first UK sighting being confirmed at Landguard Bird Observatory in Suffolk. The emergence of this species in the UK raises questions about what has influenced its expansion, with experts speculating that a warming climate may have played a role.

Until recently, the Southern Small White butterfly was primarily confined to Southern Europe, particularly in southeast Europe. Butterfly Conservation notes that the species was initially observed north of the Alps in France and Germany in 2008, progressively extending its range to the Netherlands in 2015 and Calais in 2019. The first female butterfly from this species was identified in the UK at Landguard Nature Reserve on 2 August by volunteer Will Brame, according to BirdGuides.

Dr. Dan Hoare, the Director of Nature Recovery at Butterfly Conservation, described the expansion of the Southern Small White as an “ecological leap.” While rare species occasionally appear in the UK in small numbers, the presence of the Southern Small White signifies a significant shift in fauna. This butterfly has rapidly colonized northern Europe, spanning from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea in the past decade, advancing at a rate of approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) per year. However, the long-term presence of this species in the UK remains uncertain due to its specific food source requirement of Candytuft, a garden plant that is not as commonly cultivated in the region.

The Southern Small White butterfly has never been known to migrate to the UK, and there are no records of breeding in the country, which is typically indicative of a resident species. Whether this species will establish a permanent presence in the UK or remain a temporary visitor is still unclear. The unique characteristics and behaviors of the Southern Small White butterfly set it apart from other native species, sparking interest and curiosity among researchers and conservationists

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