One of the UK’s rarest butterflies has made a long-awaited return to Wales, decades after disappearing from the country.
The endangered Wood White — a small butterfly with soft cream-colored wings and distinctive striped antennae — has been spotted at four locations in Powys by Butterfly Conservation, including one female seen laying eggs.
Once established in south-east Wales, the Wood White vanished several decades ago when its habitat was destroyed, with only occasional sightings since. Butterfly Conservation says the decline of butterflies in recent years has largely been driven by human activity, making this rediscovery a welcome boost for conservation efforts. The Wood White’s overall population has dropped by 82% since 1979 at the few sites where it remains.
The charity believes these new arrivals almost certainly came from Shropshire, just across the border, where targeted conservation work has helped maintain healthy populations. At Natural Resources Wales’ Siercwm site, the conservation team counted at least four individuals, including the egg-laying female.
Plans are now in place for further surveys next spring, and discussions are underway with Natural Resources Wales about managing roadside verges along forestry roads to support the species.
This sighting comes amid an unusually active year for butterflies and moths, which experts link to record-breaking weather. Butterfly Conservation has recorded 18 butterfly species emerging at least two weeks earlier than usual, and 24 more appearing at least a week ahead of schedule.
While such changes can benefit some species, they also create challenges. “There will be winners and losers from the very rapid climate change we’re experiencing,” said Dr Dan Hoare, Butterfly Conservation’s director of nature recovery. “We can increase the number of climate winners by managing habitats in a way that benefits both threatened and widespread species. That means creating and maintaining high-quality, connected habitats on a landscape scale — something Butterfly Conservation has been committed to for many years.”