According to The British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) report, the UK’s record numbers of some species can be attributed to the unusually warm April. Experts have confirmed that the BTO’s Garden Watch results were spectacular. The weather is important as it affects the butterfly numbers. Spring is a crucial time for hibernation. Early April saw a rise in the numbers of Brimstone butterflies (Gonepteryx Rhamani). Image: BTO. Poor March and Super April. Reports of sightings of butterflies were less than March 2014.. According to the BTO, numbers of butterflies rose dramatically after April’s unusually hot and dry weather. At the start of April, sightings of the Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were recorded in 40% BTO BirdWatch gardens. This is a significant increase from the one-quarter of the previous month. One third of all gardens were spotted by the Brimstone butterfly, which is an unprecedented number since 2003, began records. It was the Peacock butterflies that was the biggest surprise. They were spotted in over half of BTO Garden BirdWatch Gardens (a record), as opposed to just one-third in April 2013. Peacock butterflies (Inachis.io) were the most surprising. BTO Image. Unfortunately the beautiful weather didn’t last long and sightings of butterflies have dropped rapidly. Clare Simm from the BTO Garden BirdWatch said that it is more than just birds. The volunteers also provide vital information to us on taxa, which helps us understand the importance of gardens as habitats for all wildlife.” (Image by BTO) The BTO needs your help to determine if April’s brief period of warm weather was sufficient for British butterflies. The BTO is looking for members of the general public to assist it in this endeavor. Participation in the BTO Garden BirdWatch is possible. All participants receive a magazine and an enquiry packet. Contact us by emailing [email protected], phoning 750050, or writing to GBW. The High Brown Fritillary, Britain’s most threatened butterfly, made an impressive comeback in 2014,. It registered a significant increase in 180% population compared with the previous year. Video: How to identify British butterflies Matthew Oates is a National Trust butterfly specialist.
In the UK, butterfly numbers explode in April
