Winged guests
global warming has resulted in an early arrival of butterflies in Britain. Scientists say that butterflies can now be spotted much earlier than it used to be over two decades ago.
Thirty five of the estimated 60 species of British butterflies have been kept under observation. Some, like the red admiral, can now be seen a month earlier than was the case in the mid-1970s. It is also surviving more than eight days longer than before. Others, like the peacock and the orange tip are appearing between 15 and 25 days earlier than they use to two decades ago.
The researchers, however, point out that further increase in temperature would have a detrimental effect on these winged beauties. "Northerly-living butterflies, which need cooler temperatures, might suffer, such as the northern brown argus and the mountain ringlet found in Scotland,' said David Roy, one of the researchers. "There again,' Roy points out, "species like the glanville fritillary could benefit. It is found on the Isle of Wight and is on the edge of its range, but it could benefit from climate change.'
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