Mountain ringlet butterfly: Lake District sightings sought
Adult mountain ringlets usually emerge in June and fly for up to three weeks, but the timing depends on the weather.The last week of May is the earliest it has been spotted in Cumbria, with mid-July being the latest.Only 35-38mm (1.4inches) in size, they are active in bright sunshine, keeping low to the ground in short flights and pausing to feed on bunchgrass and other plants.Experts are concerned numbers are being affected by climate change, with areas of suitable habitat becoming smaller as temperatures rise.
Butterfly Conservation has produced a map of previous sightings all above 450m (1,476ft) on mountains in the Borrowdale volcanic group - from Wasdale in the west to Mardale and Haweswater in the east.The map also includes potential new locations marked in pink squares, near to existing sightings.Mr Wain added: "Looking for the mountain ringlet can add extra interest to your hike, whether you slow down and mindfully look for it, watch out for it as you eat your sandwiches or just keep it in mind as you walk."The charity also aims to work with farmers and land managers across Cumbria to trial different land management techniques, in particular grazing regimes, to see how to maintain the best habitat for the mountain ringlet.
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