Butterfly fans in the UK are in dire straits. About 24 of the island’s 58 species are endangered, according to the Butterfly Conservation, a British charity dedicated to the protection of butterflies.
That means five new species have been added to the red list since its last edition was compiled 11 years ago. According to the study, humans are destroying the habitats of these beautiful creatures, thus causing unimaginable loss to wildlife. Here is a list of some of the most endangered butterflies in the UK:
1. White wood
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Whitewood is a small, beautiful butterfly that flies throughout southern England and Wales. It is also known as the Great-White-da-Madeira because of the large number of species on the island of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal.
It is now endangered in the UK, mostly found in the Midlands in central England.
2. Swallowtail butterfly
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Since 2011, this butterfly species is highly endangered. A butterfly of remarkable beauty, showing yellow with black grooves and colored spots on its wings. The Swallowtail butterfly can also be found in Asia and North America.
In the UK, however, they belong to the Norfolk Broads, a lush area near London. In this area, they usually eat flowers.
3. Great-Moore
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
According to butterfly protection, it is one of the most endangered butterfly species. Also, the Great Moore is not known to be an excellent pilot and is easily found near the ground.
In general, butterflies that prefer to live in the north of the UK, where the climate is cold and humid, are at high risk of extinction.
4. Blue Adonis
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Blue Adonis is a very dangerous butterfly commonly found in southern England in late April and June. However, in other countries where this species thrives, they can be found in hundreds.
While the females are chocolate brown, the males have bright blue wings – which is what the species got its name from. They generally prefer warm and comfortable habitats.
5. Scotch Arcus
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
As its name implies this species is found in most parts of northern Scotland and in the western parts of the south of the country. Elsewhere in Europe, these butterflies are very fond of living in pine forests and high meadows.
According to researchers, climate change is causing a significant decline in species individuals. However, the Scottish orchid is not part of the 2011 list of endangered species, only considered endangered.
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