Southern European butterfly spotted in UK for first time

The article reports the sighting of a Southern Small White butterfly in the UK, a species native to Southern Europe. Experts have observed the gradual northward expansion of this butterfly's range over the past decades. The appearance of the Southern Small White in the UK marks the first time the species has been recorded there. This discovery is significant as it suggests the butterfly's range is continuing to shift northward, potentially due to factors such as climate change. The article notes that the Southern Small White is similar in appearance to the more common Small White butterfly found in the UK. However, the Southern Small White can be distinguished by its slightly smaller size and differences in wing pattern. The sighting was made by a team of researchers who have been monitoring the distribution of butterflies in the UK. This finding highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to understand the impacts of environmental changes on biodiversity.