As the climate crisis takes hold, a host of new species of insects – including butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies – are crossing the Channel from continental Europe to southern Britain.
Some, like a verdant trio of damselflies – scarce, southern and willow emeralds – along with the long-tailed blue butterfly, are newcomers to our shores. Others, such as the large tortoiseshell butterfly, which was recorded breeding at the Knepp estate in West Sussex this summer, are returning to the UK after a long absence.
