Tropical butterfly discovered in Quebec a sign of warming

[n2doc]

Caterpillars belonging to a species of butterfly previously unknown as far north as Canada have been discovered in Montreal, in a sign that this country’s cool climate is warming, researchers said Monday.

The city’s botanical garden and insectarium said the giant swallowtail butterflies (Papilio cresphontes Cramer) were recently found for the first time on a prickly ash plant there.

“The butterfly’s arrival in Montreal is a very clear example of the impact of climate change,” said a statement.

“In recent decades, milder temperatures in Nordic zones have enabled it to survive the winter and colonize new habitats. Giant swallowtails have gradually moved into Quebec, and the first native chrysalises are about to undergo metamorphosis at the botanical garden any day now!”


more

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/16/tropical-butterfly-discovered-in-quebec-a-sign-of-warming/

[The Doctor.]

1. Too damned fast.

It's not merely that the climate is changing, it's changing faster than ever before under liveable conditions.

We're far more screwed than we realize.