Butterfly and moth enthusiast, working to conserve these lovely insects in Europe and beyond. Advisor to Butterfly Conservation Europe and author of ‘Butterflies’ published by Bloomsbury.
martinswarren.bsky.social
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Yes of course. Thanks for clarification
Nice to get a close comparison of False Heath Fritillary Melitaea diamina (left) and Heath Fritillary Melitaea athalia (right). Both enjoying some dog poo in the French Vercours @europebutterfly.bsky.social
martinswarren.bsky.social
Actually threatened butterflies like High Brown+ Pearl-bordered Fritillary really benefit from pony grazing as they trample the bracken litter in spring, creating ideal conditions for the larvae. Its vital we keep them on the moor @savebutterflies.bsky.social. www.the-guardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Lucky snap of this Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania when it flicked its wings open. Normally always sits with wings closed. @europebutterfly.bsky.social
An obliging newly hatched Shepherd’s Fritillary Boloria pales from the Col de Agnel. At least that’s what I think it is, males are v hard to tell from B. napaea. Mostly they are buzzing around like they are on a high speed chase! @europebutterfly.bsky.social
Turns out Box Tree moth is super abundant in the French Vercours. Lots of Box but mostly not defoliated despite them @europebutterfly.bsky.social
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/09/d...
martinswarren.bsky.social
Probably not an either/or. Loss and homogenisation of habitat mosaics, vegetation encroachment in some contexts, and increasing drought/heat are all plausible pressures.
But it also is a non story. NE has not called for a cull of ponies. Kind of frustrating how this myth is getting air time
Good victory for White Admirals, let’s hope Englands footballers can match that performance!
