Millions of butterflies flying to Scotland in 'once-in-a-decade' phenomenon

Amazing!

The UK could be experiencing a once-in-a-decade wildlife phenomenon this year with a mass influx of painted lady butterflies, experts have said.

TV naturalist Chris Packham is urging people to take part in the world's largest insect citizen science survey, the annual Big Butterfly Count, to see if the painted ladies are arriving in their millions to the UK's shores this year.


The painted lady butterfly is a common immigrant from the continent to the UK each summer where its caterpillars feed on thistles (you can see why they're heading to Scotland) but around once every 10 years there is a painted lady "summer" when millions arrive en masse.

This summer is set to be just that rare summer as the wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, which runs the Big Butterfly Count, said unusually high numbers have been reported across Europe over the spring and early summer with large numbers now spotted crossing to the UK

[link to www.edinburghlive.co.uk (secure)]

Do you Squish them?

Fun for the entire Family!

I haven't seen a butterfly in years.

Thanks Monsanto.
Thanks BT Corn.

Early this spring in Colorado, there were painted ladies flying around EVERYWHERE. Made for kinda difficult driving...I love bugs!

Fun for the entire Family!

I haven't seen a butterfly in years.

Thanks Monsanto.
Thanks BT Corn.

I read the linked article looking for it to be 11-12yr cycle vs the 10yr cycle claimed in the title. Yes it is indeed right in our faces. 2008 was the last year this happened. 11yrs.

Solar cycle is 11-12yrs. How can folks not see this cycle. It is everywhere I look. Fractals. MAGA

Many thanks for the link Hawk. I have seen about 6 of the species of butterflies pictured in the article in my garden this year. Entomology for the win.

If Millions of butterflies took to the air at the same time this would be a sign. Maybe for those believing it is a sign TO GET TO HIGHER GROUND? "Up here" type of thing? Scotland is well above sea level. Heads up.

Next thing that comes to mind is that Trump is of Scottish decent is he not?

Huh

Do you Squish them?

Butterfly Fun Fact:

A group of butterflies is officially called a kaleidoscope, although they are sometimes referred to as a swarm

'once-in-a-decade' phenomenon = A Scot paying for a round of drinks.

the beauty of nature, amazing.

The UK could be experiencing a once-in-a-decade wildlife phenomenon this year with a mass influx of painted lady butterflies, experts have said.

TV naturalist Chris Packham is urging people to take part in the world's largest insect citizen science survey, the annual Big Butterfly Count, to see if the painted ladies are arriving in their millions to the UK's shores this year.


The painted lady butterfly is a common immigrant from the continent to the UK each summer where its caterpillars feed on thistles (you can see why they're heading to Scotland) but around once every 10 years there is a painted lady "summer" when millions arrive en masse.

This summer is set to be just that rare summer as the wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, which runs the Big Butterfly Count, said unusually high numbers have been reported across Europe over the spring and early summer with large numbers now spotted crossing to the UK

[link to www.edinburghlive.co.uk (secure)]