UK confirms first southern small white sightings

Two verified sightings in Durham and Suffolk mark the first UK records of Pieris mannii, a butterfly expanding north with climate change.

UK confirms first southern small white butterfly sightings

Britain has confirmed its first sightings of the southern small white butterfly Pieris mannii. Two individuals were recorded this summer, one in Hartlepool, County Durham on July 1 and the other at Landguard nature reserve in Suffolk on August 2. Experts verified the identifications, noting tiny wing-mark differences that distinguish it from native whites. The species has been moving north through Europe since 2008, a trend aided by warmer springs and milder winters. Identification is aided by field guides and photos, including apps like ObsIdentify.

The sighting is part of a larger shift in insect ranges linked to climate change. Gardeners can help by planting host plants such as candytuft, which the southern small white uses. The Jersey Tiger moth has also increased in sightings this year, illustrating a broader shift in biodiversity across Britain.

The discovery underscores how citizen science and digital tools enable rapid tracking of species moves. It shows climate change at work, pushing warm-weather species into new places and challenging local ecosystems. The story also highlights the balance between curiosity and caution: a new butterfly brings excitement but may alter plant communities that native species rely on.

Policy and garden design matter. Creating connected, high-quality habitats at a landscape scale can help climate movers thrive while protecting already vulnerable species. Public communication that combines pleasure with stewardship is crucial as nature keeps shifting its map.

Highlights

Nature keeps moving, and our actions will determine what comes next.