Early-Emergence Records For Butterflies Shattered Across UK - Up To 7 Weeks Early

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Britain's butterflies are emerging earlier than ever with at least 14 species so far breaking all known records - some of them by astonishing margins - due to climate change.

Lepidopterists have been delighting in early shows due to a warm spring, but conservationists warn the effect on Britain's food chain is as yet unknown and must be monitored.

There are fears the birds and animals that feed on them may be knocked out of synchronisation.

The Lulworth skipper, which normally does not emerge until the 3rd week in June, was this year sighted on April 28 in Dorset - a record-breaking seven weeks early. The speckled wood was also seven weeks premature, usually emerging at the end of March, but this year was seen in Cornwall as early as January 16. The wall brown, chalkhill blue and green hairstreak, have all been spotted six weeks earlier than usual. The Glanville fritillary, meanwhile, emerged five weeks before it would normally appear during the 3rd week of May.

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