Eur. J. Entomol. 104 (1): 139-143, 2007 | DOI: 10.14411/eje.2007.019

Increased migration of Lepidoptera linked to climate change

Tim H. SPARKS1, Roger L.H. DENNIS1,2, Philip J. CROXTON1, Martin CADE3
1 NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2LS, UK; e-mail: ths@ceh.ac.uk
2 Institute for Environment, Sustainability and Regeneration, Mellor Building, Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DE, UK
3 Portland Bird Observatory, The Old Lower Light, Portland Bill, Dorset DT5 2JT, UK

The number of species of migratory Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) reported each year at a site in the south of the UK has been rising steadily. This number is very strongly linked to rising temperatures in SW Europe. It is anticipated that further climate warming within Europe will increase the numbers of migratory Lepidoptera reaching the UK and the consequences of this invasion need urgent attention.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, butterflies, moths, migration, temperature response, climate change

Received: September 13, 2006; Revised: October 19, 2006; Accepted: October 19, 2006; Published: January 3, 2007  Show citation

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SPARKS, T.H., DENNIS, R.L.H., CROXTON, P.J., & CADE, M. (2007). Increased migration of Lepidoptera linked to climate change. EJE, 104(1), 139-143. doi: 10.14411/eje.2007.019
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