Butterflies get major boost to numbers thanks to 2018 summer heatwave

Britain's butterflies winged their way back to healthier numbers last year, thanks to the summer heatwave.

More than two thirds of species were up compared to 2017, reversing declines.

Two of the rarest, the large blue and the black hairstreak recorded their best year since monitoring began in 1976. The threatened Duke of Burgundy rose 65%.

However the heat did not suit some grassland species.

Gatekeepers, small skippers and Essex skippers fell. Red admirals, a garden favourite for Brits, crashed 75%.

The black hairstreak butterfly has had its best year since 1976 (PA)

Duke of Burgundy numbers are up 65 per cent (PA)

The large blue has also made a pleasing comeback due to warmer days (PA)

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Thousands of volunteers collect data for monitoring and Prof Tom Brereton, from Butterfly Conservation, said: “2018 brought relief following five below average years.

“But there were not as many as we might have expected given the fabulous weather and 2018 ranked barely better than average.

“Two thirds show negative trends long term, highlighting the challenge we face.”