martinswarren.bsky.social
@martinswarren.bsky.social
Butterfly and moth enthusiast, working to conserve these lovely insects in Europe and beyond. Advisor to Butterfly Conservation Europe and author of ‘Butterflies’ published by Bloomsbury.
Pinned
The new European Butterfly Red List is published today, with worrying findings. Over 1/4 (28%) of Europe’s 442 species are threatened with extinction or are close to being so. The situation is far worse for our 148 endemic species, 40% are now threatened or nearly so www.bc-europe.eu/webpage.php?...
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
New study confirms that short wavelength light (UV & blue) attracts the most nocturnal insects & that intensity increases attraction for all colours. Longer wavelength & lower intensity outdoor lights should reduce biodiversity impacts resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... #teammoth 🌍
November 26, 2025 at 2:08 PM
New study confirms that short wavelength light (UV & blue) attracts the most nocturnal insects & that intensity increases attraction for all colours. Longer wavelength & lower intensity outdoor lights should reduce biodiversity impacts resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... #teammoth 🌍
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Really positive landowner workshop yesterday to discuss how to save the Duke of Burgundy in Dorset. Heart-warming that so many farmers want to help this lovely little butterfly and restore biodiversity. Gives me great hope we can do it @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Really positive landowner workshop yesterday to discuss how to save the Duke of Burgundy in Dorset. Heart-warming that so many farmers want to help this lovely little butterfly and restore biodiversity. Gives me great hope we can do it @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Waiting for spring. I think this is a Bee Orchid rosette? Purbeck Ridge, Dorset @dorsetlandscape.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Waiting for spring. I think this is a Bee Orchid rosette? Purbeck Ridge, Dorset @dorsetlandscape.bsky.social
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Another cold but sunny day in Southbourne.
But in the lunchtime window the Undercliff had warmed up sufficiently to see 8 Clouded Yellow and 1 Red Admiral on the wing.
Plus more CY caterpillars seen.
It's been an amazing November.
Southbourne
Dorset.
But in the lunchtime window the Undercliff had warmed up sufficiently to see 8 Clouded Yellow and 1 Red Admiral on the wing.
Plus more CY caterpillars seen.
It's been an amazing November.
Southbourne
Dorset.
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Another cold but sunny day in Southbourne.
But in the lunchtime window the Undercliff had warmed up sufficiently to see 8 Clouded Yellow and 1 Red Admiral on the wing.
Plus more CY caterpillars seen.
It's been an amazing November.
Southbourne
Dorset.
But in the lunchtime window the Undercliff had warmed up sufficiently to see 8 Clouded Yellow and 1 Red Admiral on the wing.
Plus more CY caterpillars seen.
It's been an amazing November.
Southbourne
Dorset.
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation volunteers were working at Poldice Mine today, removing invasive Buddleia from the heathland. Silver-studded Blues have responded really positively to the management that we have been doing here over the last couple of years. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation volunteers were working at Poldice Mine today, removing invasive Buddleia from the heathland. Silver-studded Blues have responded really positively to the management that we have been doing here over the last couple of years. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
1/4 El 20 de noviembre viajamos a Bruselas para una cita clave: la reunión organizada por la Comisión Europea y la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN) titulada “Support the Implementation of Conservation Plans for Threatened Pollinator Species – From Plans to Action”
November 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM
1/4 El 20 de noviembre viajamos a Bruselas para una cita clave: la reunión organizada por la Comisión Europea y la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN) titulada “Support the Implementation of Conservation Plans for Threatened Pollinator Species – From Plans to Action”
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Some cautiously positive news from France, but systemic pesticides (like neonics) can persist in the soil for years, so it's early days yet.
Worth taking a moment to read this article in full 👇
#neonicotinoids #birds #insects #pesticides
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Worth taking a moment to read this article in full 👇
#neonicotinoids #birds #insects #pesticides
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
France’s birds start to show signs of recovery after bee-harming pesticide ban
Analysis shows small hike in populations of insect-eating species after 2018 ruling, but full recovery may take decades
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Some cautiously positive news from France, but systemic pesticides (like neonics) can persist in the soil for years, so it's early days yet.
Worth taking a moment to read this article in full 👇
#neonicotinoids #birds #insects #pesticides
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Worth taking a moment to read this article in full 👇
#neonicotinoids #birds #insects #pesticides
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
A very cold but sunny lunchtime walk at Southbourne Undercliff today, with air temperatures only 6C but probably warmer on the promenade.
Yet there was still "Butterfly" activity to see.
4 Clouded Yellow eggs plus 2 caterpillars found and amazingly a Red Admiral out basking.
Southbourne
Dorset.
Yet there was still "Butterfly" activity to see.
4 Clouded Yellow eggs plus 2 caterpillars found and amazingly a Red Admiral out basking.
Southbourne
Dorset.
November 20, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A very cold but sunny lunchtime walk at Southbourne Undercliff today, with air temperatures only 6C but probably warmer on the promenade.
Yet there was still "Butterfly" activity to see.
4 Clouded Yellow eggs plus 2 caterpillars found and amazingly a Red Admiral out basking.
Southbourne
Dorset.
Yet there was still "Butterfly" activity to see.
4 Clouded Yellow eggs plus 2 caterpillars found and amazingly a Red Admiral out basking.
Southbourne
Dorset.
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Can beaver wetlands create a buzz and a flutter for pollinators? 🦫🦋
A new study, carried out by Senior Ecologist Patrick Cook for his PhD at the University of Stirling, revealed that wetlands created by beavers have 45% more butterflies than those created by people.
A new study, carried out by Senior Ecologist Patrick Cook for his PhD at the University of Stirling, revealed that wetlands created by beavers have 45% more butterflies than those created by people.
November 20, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Can beaver wetlands create a buzz and a flutter for pollinators? 🦫🦋
A new study, carried out by Senior Ecologist Patrick Cook for his PhD at the University of Stirling, revealed that wetlands created by beavers have 45% more butterflies than those created by people.
A new study, carried out by Senior Ecologist Patrick Cook for his PhD at the University of Stirling, revealed that wetlands created by beavers have 45% more butterflies than those created by people.
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Very productive EuCan Conservation Workday yesterday at my Dorset patch, with meadows & glades brush-cut. 15 Ash dieback felled, 5 Oak with major squirrel damage, 4 large leaning willow soon to block footpath & a few Silver Birch. Also several Hazel coppiced to allow more light. Thx to 11 volunteers
November 19, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Very productive EuCan Conservation Workday yesterday at my Dorset patch, with meadows & glades brush-cut. 15 Ash dieback felled, 5 Oak with major squirrel damage, 4 large leaning willow soon to block footpath & a few Silver Birch. Also several Hazel coppiced to allow more light. Thx to 11 volunteers
Really positive landowner workshop yesterday to discuss how to save the Duke of Burgundy in Dorset. Heart-warming that so many farmers want to help this lovely little butterfly and restore biodiversity. Gives me great hope we can do it @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Really positive landowner workshop yesterday to discuss how to save the Duke of Burgundy in Dorset. Heart-warming that so many farmers want to help this lovely little butterfly and restore biodiversity. Gives me great hope we can do it @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
For the first time, humans have tracked an individual butterfly, as shown in the Monarch migration of north America.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
We Can Now Track Individual Monarch Butterflies. It’s a Revelation.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:45 PM
For the first time, humans have tracked an individual butterfly, as shown in the Monarch migration of north America.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
@bc-suffolk.bsky.social
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Discover the incredible full story of Project Monarch, a collaborative project by @celltracktech.bsky.social, Cape May Point Arts & Science Center, and 20+ partners including Xerces!
🦋 xerces.org/press/revolu...
📡 Hear from the CTT team in coverage by @nytimes.com ➡️ www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
🦋 xerces.org/press/revolu...
📡 Hear from the CTT team in coverage by @nytimes.com ➡️ www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
November 17, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Discover the incredible full story of Project Monarch, a collaborative project by @celltracktech.bsky.social, Cape May Point Arts & Science Center, and 20+ partners including Xerces!
🦋 xerces.org/press/revolu...
📡 Hear from the CTT team in coverage by @nytimes.com ➡️ www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
🦋 xerces.org/press/revolu...
📡 Hear from the CTT team in coverage by @nytimes.com ➡️ www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/s...
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Lesser Latticed Brown (Kirinia climene) Turkey
Also known as The Iranian Argus in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper in 1783
It is distributed locally in Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Turkey, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Syria, Iraq etc
#Lepidoptera #Butterfly
Also known as The Iranian Argus in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper in 1783
It is distributed locally in Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Turkey, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Syria, Iraq etc
#Lepidoptera #Butterfly
November 17, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Lesser Latticed Brown (Kirinia climene) Turkey
Also known as The Iranian Argus in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper in 1783
It is distributed locally in Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Turkey, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Syria, Iraq etc
#Lepidoptera #Butterfly
Also known as The Iranian Argus in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper in 1783
It is distributed locally in Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Turkey, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Syria, Iraq etc
#Lepidoptera #Butterfly
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
And naturally, like ALL of our butterfly tours, this one generates a donation to support the crucial conservation work of the brilliant team @europebutterfly.bsky.social, who work tirelessly to help some of the most threatened #butterflies across Europe. (3/3)
www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
November 17, 2025 at 8:39 AM
And naturally, like ALL of our butterfly tours, this one generates a donation to support the crucial conservation work of the brilliant team @europebutterfly.bsky.social, who work tirelessly to help some of the most threatened #butterflies across Europe. (3/3)
www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
18 moths of 9sp last night in Corfe Castle. My first December moths of the winter. The Yeti of the moth world @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 11:45 AM
18 moths of 9sp last night in Corfe Castle. My first December moths of the winter. The Yeti of the moth world @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
📢 Just 2 places are left on our Butterflies of the French Pyrenees tour, 27 May - 3 June 2026.
A classic GW tour which we designed & launched back in 2014, given a refresh for 2026!
Violet Copper, Spanish Fritillary, Spanish Festoon, Apollo, & many more butterfly highlights!
A classic GW tour which we designed & launched back in 2014, given a refresh for 2026!
Violet Copper, Spanish Fritillary, Spanish Festoon, Apollo, & many more butterfly highlights!
November 16, 2025 at 8:09 AM
📢 Just 2 places are left on our Butterflies of the French Pyrenees tour, 27 May - 3 June 2026.
A classic GW tour which we designed & launched back in 2014, given a refresh for 2026!
Violet Copper, Spanish Fritillary, Spanish Festoon, Apollo, & many more butterfly highlights!
A classic GW tour which we designed & launched back in 2014, given a refresh for 2026!
Violet Copper, Spanish Fritillary, Spanish Festoon, Apollo, & many more butterfly highlights!
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Numbers of eggs in Herts very encouraging so far. This is the third year in a row this species has been present after a gap of 30 years hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/news.php @bc_hertsmiddx
News
hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk
November 15, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Numbers of eggs in Herts very encouraging so far. This is the third year in a row this species has been present after a gap of 30 years hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/news.php @bc_hertsmiddx
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
The number of butterflies at risk of extinction across Europe has increased significantly in the past 15 years, a new assessment has warned:
Number of European butterflies at risk of extinction increases
The number of butterflies at risk of extinction across Europe has increased significantly in the past 15 years, a new assessment has warned. Across the continent, 65 out of 442 assessed species are now facing the threat of extinction, up from 37 in 2010. This accounts for 15% of all European species.
bit.ly
November 15, 2025 at 7:16 AM
The number of butterflies at risk of extinction across Europe has increased significantly in the past 15 years, a new assessment has warned:
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Check the occupancy model results of @mfajgenblat.bsky.social on Belgian #butterflies via this link. Amazing results! #vlinderstudiedag
November 15, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Check the occupancy model results of @mfajgenblat.bsky.social on Belgian #butterflies via this link. Amazing results! #vlinderstudiedag
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Eerst is Marc Herremans aan de beurt die een overzicht geeft van de afgelopen twee vlinderjaren. Grote variatie van jaar tot jaar in slaagkans van tweede generatie van dagpauwoog! #vlinderstudiedag
November 15, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Eerst is Marc Herremans aan de beurt die een overzicht geeft van de afgelopen twee vlinderjaren. Grote variatie van jaar tot jaar in slaagkans van tweede generatie van dagpauwoog! #vlinderstudiedag
Good turn out for our first Brown Hairstreak egg count at Lydlinch Common.Eggs thin in the ground though with just 13 found in 2 hrs by 9 people. But we did find a nice double and a dew covered Drinker moth caterpillar. @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Good turn out for our first Brown Hairstreak egg count at Lydlinch Common.Eggs thin in the ground though with just 13 found in 2 hrs by 9 people. But we did find a nice double and a dew covered Drinker moth caterpillar. @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
Coppers may be pennies from heaven, but we know the pounds count too - which is why our Early Bird booking discount offers £150 off the cost of any of our week-long tours in 2026 if booked before 1 December.
All our tours, and availability, are here:
www.mariposanature.com/calendar
All our tours, and availability, are here:
www.mariposanature.com/calendar
November 14, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Coppers may be pennies from heaven, but we know the pounds count too - which is why our Early Bird booking discount offers £150 off the cost of any of our week-long tours in 2026 if booked before 1 December.
All our tours, and availability, are here:
www.mariposanature.com/calendar
All our tours, and availability, are here:
www.mariposanature.com/calendar
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
A reminder of the importance of ancient grasslands. In Uk we really should be treating our remaining ancient meadows as irreplaceable and given the same protection afforded to ancient woodlands.
"...one of 1,700 “remnant” grasslands identified in Virginia over the past few years. Using carbon dating & other forensic techniques, scientists have found that plant communities in similar plots have existed continuously for at least 2,000 years..." 🌎 🌐 🌱
These ancient time travelers have answers to our 21st century problems
Newly discovered patches of ancient landscape have somehow managed to survive without being turned into a farm, forest or subdivision.
wapo.st
November 14, 2025 at 11:17 AM
A reminder of the importance of ancient grasslands. In Uk we really should be treating our remaining ancient meadows as irreplaceable and given the same protection afforded to ancient woodlands.
Reposted by martinswarren.bsky.social
⚡ We’re excited to announce that Dorset Council is backing the Climate and Nature Bill!
🐝 They join 384 councils across the UK calling for new, urgent, science-led legislation—bold enough to tackle the climate-nature crisis.
👉 action.zerohour.uk/council #CANBill
🐝 They join 384 councils across the UK calling for new, urgent, science-led legislation—bold enough to tackle the climate-nature crisis.
👉 action.zerohour.uk/council #CANBill
November 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM
⚡ We’re excited to announce that Dorset Council is backing the Climate and Nature Bill!
🐝 They join 384 councils across the UK calling for new, urgent, science-led legislation—bold enough to tackle the climate-nature crisis.
👉 action.zerohour.uk/council #CANBill
🐝 They join 384 councils across the UK calling for new, urgent, science-led legislation—bold enough to tackle the climate-nature crisis.
👉 action.zerohour.uk/council #CANBill