Dr Marcus Rhodes
@marcusrhodes.bsky.social
Ecologist in pursuit of butterflies. Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Exeter, Cornwall working on nature recovery and species' responses to climate change. He/Him
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Do you work (/want to work) with caterpillars? Or sensory systems? Or BOTH?! Well good golly do we have the paper for you! We explain the senses that caterpillars have, what they use them for, and how anthropogenic sensory pollution might be messing it all up 🐛 doi.org/10.1007/s003...
The sensory ecology of caterpillars - Journal of Comparative Physiology A
Caterpillars (larval Lepidoptera) are one of the most ecologically and evolutionarily significant taxa on Earth. As both feeders and food, they shape the dynamics of enumerate ecosystems on land. Key ...
doi.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Do you work (/want to work) with caterpillars? Or sensory systems? Or BOTH?! Well good golly do we have the paper for you! We explain the senses that caterpillars have, what they use them for, and how anthropogenic sensory pollution might be messing it all up 🐛 doi.org/10.1007/s003...
Back on Bodmin Moor this weekend with Cornwall Butterfly Conservation. This time, we were working at Fellover, another site for Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, managing Gorse and Bracken in an area between the two existing colonies. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Back on Bodmin Moor this weekend with Cornwall Butterfly Conservation. This time, we were working at Fellover, another site for Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, managing Gorse and Bracken in an area between the two existing colonies. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
🌿 A new chapter begins.
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
November 7, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🌿 A new chapter begins.
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
Cley Marshes this evening. Swirling flocks of Golden Plover, ten Marsh Harriers arriving to roost, and an impressive murmuration of Starlings.
November 4, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Cley Marshes this evening. Swirling flocks of Golden Plover, ten Marsh Harriers arriving to roost, and an impressive murmuration of Starlings.
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Check out our new insect decline paper. By analysing 36 yrs of German ground beetle distribution data, we show:
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Check out our new insect decline paper. By analysing 36 yrs of German ground beetle distribution data, we show:
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
We're thrilled to share this film featuring some of the dedicated volunteers who monitor butterflies for the UKBMS
A huge thank you to them, and everyone who's supported the scheme over the last 50 years.
#UKBMS50
youtu.be/OrF5AgseX1U?...
A huge thank you to them, and everyone who's supported the scheme over the last 50 years.
#UKBMS50
youtu.be/OrF5AgseX1U?...
Celebrating 50 years of butterfly monitoring
YouTube video by Butterfly Conservation
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 9:56 AM
We're thrilled to share this film featuring some of the dedicated volunteers who monitor butterflies for the UKBMS
A huge thank you to them, and everyone who's supported the scheme over the last 50 years.
#UKBMS50
youtu.be/OrF5AgseX1U?...
A huge thank you to them, and everyone who's supported the scheme over the last 50 years.
#UKBMS50
youtu.be/OrF5AgseX1U?...
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation volunteers were working at Church Hay Down today. We are slowly chipping away at the Gorse on this former Marsh Fritillary site in the hope that the butterfly will recolonise from just across the road. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation volunteers were working at Church Hay Down today. We are slowly chipping away at the Gorse on this former Marsh Fritillary site in the hope that the butterfly will recolonise from just across the road. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Atlantic Salmon leaping at Rogie Falls last month. An incredible feat of endurance and captivating to watch.
October 27, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Atlantic Salmon leaping at Rogie Falls last month. An incredible feat of endurance and captivating to watch.
I've only just got round to sorting my photos from Scotland last month, so here's a short thread of some highlights. We were based along Strathspey for a week and a half, providing some wonderful opportunities for exploring Caledonian pine forests.
October 26, 2025 at 8:28 PM
I've only just got round to sorting my photos from Scotland last month, so here's a short thread of some highlights. We were based along Strathspey for a week and a half, providing some wonderful opportunities for exploring Caledonian pine forests.
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
24th October: Want to be inspired by real stories of recovery and collaboration? Don’t miss the panel “Recovering Nature on Land”, where conservation leaders will share how they’re restoring habitats, protecting species, and bringing landscapes back to life!🌱
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cornwall-i...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cornwall-i...
October 21, 2025 at 8:15 PM
24th October: Want to be inspired by real stories of recovery and collaboration? Don’t miss the panel “Recovering Nature on Land”, where conservation leaders will share how they’re restoring habitats, protecting species, and bringing landscapes back to life!🌱
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cornwall-i...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cornwall-i...
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna hunting off Land's End a couple of weeks ago.
October 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna hunting off Land's End a couple of weeks ago.
Bracken management at De Lank today with Cornwall Butterfly Conservation - another Pearl-bordered Fritillary site on Bodmin Moor. Encouraging to see lots of Violets beneath the Bracken litter where we were working. Let's hope the Fritillaries find them next spring! @savebutterflies.bsky.social
October 18, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Bracken management at De Lank today with Cornwall Butterfly Conservation - another Pearl-bordered Fritillary site on Bodmin Moor. Encouraging to see lots of Violets beneath the Bracken litter where we were working. Let's hope the Fritillaries find them next spring! @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Yay! My first Redwing of the autumn has just flown over at Camborne Station.
October 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Yay! My first Redwing of the autumn has just flown over at Camborne Station.
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation volunteers were on Bodmin Moor today for our first work party of the winter. Bracken management and coppicing for Pearl-bordered Fritillaries in the Camel Valley at Jordan. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
October 13, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation volunteers were on Bodmin Moor today for our first work party of the winter. Bracken management and coppicing for Pearl-bordered Fritillaries in the Camel Valley at Jordan. @savebutterflies.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Denbies Hillside, Surrey: a sign of our times - October 9th, stood in a t-shirt watching Redwings and a Brambling at the same time as this Chalkhill Blue butterfly!! It’s all over the place…
October 9, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Denbies Hillside, Surrey: a sign of our times - October 9th, stood in a t-shirt watching Redwings and a Brambling at the same time as this Chalkhill Blue butterfly!! It’s all over the place…
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
We are also deeply saddened that the Madeiran Large White, Pieris wollastoni, is now officially extinct: it was last seen in 1986. The full report can be downloaded here www.bc-europe.eu/documents/68...
October 11, 2025 at 9:35 AM
We are also deeply saddened that the Madeiran Large White, Pieris wollastoni, is now officially extinct: it was last seen in 1986. The full report can be downloaded here www.bc-europe.eu/documents/68...
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
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?...
October 11, 2025 at 9:17 AM
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?...
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation’s winter habitat management begins next week!
This year, we have a packed programme of volunteer days around Bodmin Moor and Camborne-Redruth to restore habitat for threatened butterflies.
Sign-up to get involved at tinyurl.com/2cbb2jzw
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
This year, we have a packed programme of volunteer days around Bodmin Moor and Camborne-Redruth to restore habitat for threatened butterflies.
Sign-up to get involved at tinyurl.com/2cbb2jzw
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
Practical Conservation Group Volunteer (Cornwall)
Our Practical Conservation Group Volunteers make a real difference to their local environment. Without them, many threatened butterflies and moths could be lost forever.
tinyurl.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation’s winter habitat management begins next week!
This year, we have a packed programme of volunteer days around Bodmin Moor and Camborne-Redruth to restore habitat for threatened butterflies.
Sign-up to get involved at tinyurl.com/2cbb2jzw
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
This year, we have a packed programme of volunteer days around Bodmin Moor and Camborne-Redruth to restore habitat for threatened butterflies.
Sign-up to get involved at tinyurl.com/2cbb2jzw
@savebutterflies.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Fully funded PhD working on insectivorous bird declines with a broad range of stakeholders. Starting ASAP #ornithology #zoology #biodiversity #science #ecology
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
September 18, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Fully funded PhD working on insectivorous bird declines with a broad range of stakeholders. Starting ASAP #ornithology #zoology #biodiversity #science #ecology
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Very firm statement on releases of captive-bred Turtle Doves, from Operation Turtle Dove inc @rspb.bsky.social & @naturalengland.bsky.social:
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
Operation Turtle Dove’s view on the release of captive-bred Turtle Doves as a conservation measure - Operation Turtle Dove
Operation Turtle Dove is a science-led conservation partnership working to reverse the decline of Turtle Doves in the UK by restoring habitat and addressing key threats. Learn why captive-bred release...
operationturtledove.org
September 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Very firm statement on releases of captive-bred Turtle Doves, from Operation Turtle Dove inc @rspb.bsky.social & @naturalengland.bsky.social:
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
*Doesn't meet IUCN guidelines
*Risk of disease/genetic pollution
*Irresponsible aims
operationturtledove.org/captive-rele... 1/2 #ornithology #ukbirding
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
The #BigButterflyCount results are in and it's official...
2025 was an average year for butterflies.
See the full results and what can be done to help butterflies and moths 👇
https://butterfly-conservation.org/big-butterfly-count-results-2025
2025 was an average year for butterflies.
See the full results and what can be done to help butterflies and moths 👇
https://butterfly-conservation.org/big-butterfly-count-results-2025
September 9, 2025 at 8:00 AM
The #BigButterflyCount results are in and it's official...
2025 was an average year for butterflies.
See the full results and what can be done to help butterflies and moths 👇
https://butterfly-conservation.org/big-butterfly-count-results-2025
2025 was an average year for butterflies.
See the full results and what can be done to help butterflies and moths 👇
https://butterfly-conservation.org/big-butterfly-count-results-2025
Delighted to see my first Basking Sharks in the Moray Firth off Nairn yesterday. We reckon there were at least three individuals feeding on the outgoing tide.
September 6, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Delighted to see my first Basking Sharks in the Moray Firth off Nairn yesterday. We reckon there were at least three individuals feeding on the outgoing tide.
I last visited Craigellachie NNR nine years ago to survey Scotch Argus for the University of York's Refugia Project. As I was staying in the adjacent Aviemore Hostel last night, it was only fitting to call in on them this morning!
August 31, 2025 at 2:27 PM
I last visited Craigellachie NNR nine years ago to survey Scotch Argus for the University of York's Refugia Project. As I was staying in the adjacent Aviemore Hostel last night, it was only fitting to call in on them this morning!
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
A new study from Lund University shows changes in land use reduce number of insects and increase risk of inbreeding among Swedish butterflies. Particularly true for species with specific habitat requirements, with serious consequences for long-term survival. portal.research.lu.se/sv/publicati...
August 27, 2025 at 6:20 AM
A new study from Lund University shows changes in land use reduce number of insects and increase risk of inbreeding among Swedish butterflies. Particularly true for species with specific habitat requirements, with serious consequences for long-term survival. portal.research.lu.se/sv/publicati...