Thousands of golden-coloured Queen of Spain butterflies have arrived in Britain this year, prompting what experts describe as a bold attempt to colonize the UK. While historical visits of this butterfly have been recorded for centuries, sightings are usually limited to just a handful each summer.
Unprecedented Migration and Breeding
The current influx includes migrants flying in from France and Spain to reach the south coast, alongside others arriving from the Netherlands into East Anglia. These migrating insects have successfully bred, resulting in British-born offspring emerging this autumn. Hundreds of the butterflies were recently spotted at East Tilbury and Linford along the Thames in Essex.
Butterfly expert Neil Hulme describes the event as a bold attempt at colonizing the UK, noting that the volume of arrivals has been phenomenal.
Potential for Permanent Establishment
Historically, the species has only managed to successfully overwinter in Britain twice over the past three decades: at Minsmere in Suffolk during the 1990s and near Chichester around 2010. However, Hulme believes the sheer scale of the current arrivals guarantees that some butterflies will reappear in Britain next spring.
While this return does not guarantee a permanent population, Hulme suggests the species could gain a foothold with regular top-ups from continental Europe.
Nature enthusiasts can support the potential establishment of the species by planting wild and field pansies, which serve as the preferred food source for the caterpillars.
