Painted Ladies have invaded the United Kingdom.
The arrival of the beautiful orange, black and white butterflies is a once-in-a-decade phenomenon known as a “Painted Lady Summer.”
Steve Johnson, environmental advisor with the University of Glasgow, has been tracking the butterfly bonanza around campus.
The butterflies are common to the UK, but the massive migration of the species from North Africa so far north happens as weather and food conditions have been ideal.
“They fly at a speed of 30 miles per hour,” Johnson explained. “But it’s still a huge migration for such a small insect up to Scotland.”
Have you noticed the massive influx of Painted Lady butterflies around Glasgow? UofG Environmental Advisor Steve Johnson explains why 🦋🌺🌿 pic.twitter.com/vAega8R7dD
— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) August 2, 2019
During 2009, the last big Painted Lady year in the UK, some 11 million of the butterflies were counted in the UK.
The photo opportunities have been great for shutterbugs again this year.
Steve got some great snaps of the Painted Ladies on campus too 📸🦋😍 Send us yours! pic.twitter.com/wcLBGUVYl8
— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) August 2, 2019
Hot weather helped bring the beauties farther north much sooner.
Painted Lady (V cardui) numbers seem to be exploding on Butterfly Monitoring Transects, especially in the west of NL. The second generation of 2019 appears sooner after the first generation than in 2009, probably because of the hot weather. pic.twitter.com/Ppk7Cuu6a8
— Chris van Swaay (@chrisvanswaay) July 30, 2019
“The #paintedlady butterflies have definitely arrived in #Edinburgh,” according to the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh. “There’s an incredible influx of them enjoying @thebotanics right now.”
The #paintedlady butterflies have definitely arrived in #Edinburgh. There’s an incredible influx of them enjoying @thebotanics right now @savebutterflies #butterflycount
📷 Lynsey Wilson. pic.twitter.com/rZoQRLwUsB
— RBGE (@TheBotanics) August 1, 2019
Remember not to touch them.
Their wings are delicate — but some may choose to land on you.
Look out for the beautiful painted lady this weekend. They’re being seen in high numbers at the moment! Discover how to welcome butterflies to your garden here: https://t.co/B8RdhaOW7r pic.twitter.com/RR3864ZHDZ
— The Wildlife Trusts (@WildlifeTrusts) August 3, 2019
Taunton Painted Lady garden sightings are on the increase @BCSomerset @savebutterflies #ButterflyCount @SWTTaunton @igerstaunton @Butterfly_bros #TwitterNatureCommunity pic.twitter.com/dJq0nTxqaK
— Mary Chaloner (@Emelsea) August 2, 2019
Looks like today will be a good butterfly day. Garden already holding Red Admiral (6), Painted Lady (8), Peacock (5), Comma (2) and a Gatekeeper. Numerous Painted Lady zipping overhead! pic.twitter.com/LAWhyNBOhR
— Suffolk Butterflies (@BillButterfly) August 3, 2019
People have been reporting their sightings, which helps with conservation, and they are just everywhere in the region.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
The Inner Farne has been inundated with butterflies. The most numerous being the Painted Lady which takes part in a multi-generational migration from Africa. Also present are Red Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells and Large Whites. #farneislands #paintedlady pic.twitter.com/pxr93abK65
— The Farne Islands (@NTFarneIslands) July 31, 2019
Photos University of Glasgow/Twitter