United Kingdom

2024-01-09 @ 12.49.58 ∈ In English

(The Catalan populations rely on postural thermoregulation, if I’m reading the study correctly.)

Study finds Spanish butterflies are better at regulating their body temperature than their British cousins

Butterflies in both countries switch from heat-seeking to heat-avoiding behavior once air temperatures reach approximately 22°C. [British populations depend] more on microclimates for thermoregulation than Catalan populations.

2023-11-24 @ 10.26.38 ∈ In English

Moth found in West London is a new species from Australia

In 2021 an amateur moth-er living in Ealing, West London, opened her moth trap to find something she didn’t recognise. […] Detailed analysis of the moth, including both morphology and DNA, revealed that the insect was indeed a new species to science, but one that is native to Western Australia rather than Ealing.

2023-11-13 @ 19.28.16 ∈ In English

Mysterious new moth species discovered in Europe

The moth, named Mirlatia arcuata, […] is one of the most remarkable discoveries in Lepidoptera of recent decades. […] Initial genetic data from the mitochondrial COI barcode, as well as characteristics of the tympanal organ (auditory organ), point to a largely independent systematic position of the species.

2023-10-07 @ 11.24.19 ∈ In English

(From August)

Red Admiral butterflies: Climate change sees migratory species stay in UK, says charity

The Big Butterfly Count found between 14 July and 2 August this year there was a 400% increase in sightings of red admirals.

2023-10-05 @ 15.01.04 ∈ In English

Meadow spittlebug’s record-breaking diet also makes it a top disease carrier for plants

New research fueled in part by citizen scientists reveals that the meadow spittlebug—known for the foamy, spit-like urine released by its nymphs—can feed on at least 1,300 species of host plants, more than twice the number of any other insect.

2023-06-10 @ 19.32.15 ∈ In English

Invasive oak processionary moth caterpillars cause concern for England’s trees

An insect that can be hazardous to human health is spreading across southeast England. […] "As the oak processionary moth is a relatively recent arrival to the UK, any potential predators haven't had much time to familiarize themselves with it. This means the caterpillars are able to spread faster than they would otherwise."

2023-06-06 @ 18.52.28 ∈ In English

‘Extinct’ butterfly species reappears in UK

[The black-veined white], previously described as extinct in Britain for nearly 100 years, has suddenly appeared in countryside on the edge of London. […] The charity Butterfly Conservation, which monitors butterfly numbers in Britain, told the BBC the insects will have been released, but they don't know by who or why.