Britain counts 1.4 million butterflies and moths in second-best season in 16 years

Britain experienced a significant butterfly boom during the record heat of summer 2026. Over 100,000 volunteers counted nearly 1.4 million butterflies and moths across the nation. Painted ladies, a migratory species, saw their numbers surge by 335 percent this season. Experts warn this boom could lead to a population crash for caterpillars next year. Drought conditions that benefited adult butterflies harmed their offspring and food sources.

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