Get ready for an extraordinary painted lady summer, as these striking orange butterflies are expected to appear in record-breaking numbers across Britain this year. If you have spotted a pale orange butterfly darting frantically through streets, fields, or gardens, you have witnessed the arrival of new migrants that will add vibrant colour to the season.
Largest Arrival in 17 Years
What is anticipated to be the largest influx of painted lady butterflies in Britain for 17 years is already underway, following heatwaves and favourable winds that have brought thousands, if not millions, of these insects northwards. The painted lady typically flies north from sub-Saharan Africa at the start of each year, with successive generations breeding in North Africa and the southern Mediterranean before reaching northern Europe later in the summer. In September, the offspring of these migrants make the return journey south.
Perfect Conditions for a Painted Lady Summer
While some summers see hardly any painted ladies reaching British shores, experts at Butterfly Conservation say that a combination of favourable early spring conditions in southern Europe, the recent heatwave, and benign southerly winds have turned 2026 into a once-in-a-decade phenomenon. Dan Hoare, director of nature recovery for Butterfly Conservation, explained: 'We have been seeing small numbers for the last three weeks, but it looks like there has been a big recent immigration from Europe over the past week, just as the hot spell collapsed. They grow extremely fast, feed easily, and fly really well. They have bred successfully in France and Spain during the heatwave and then had favourable winds to get them across the Channel.'
Painted ladies can develop from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and emerge as adult butterflies in as little as four to six weeks in warm weather, allowing bumper generations to appear rapidly. This week, large numbers have been spotted along the east coast into northern England. At Hickling National Nature Reserve near the Norfolk coast, 253 butterflies were seen feeding on a patch of bramble flowers.
Distinctive Generations and Rare Moths
Many of the arriving butterflies are faded grey 'grandparent' butterflies that may have travelled directly from North Africa or southern Spain, while others are brighter orange short-haul travellers—the French-born offspring of the March and April arrivals into southern Europe. The heatwave and southerly winds have also assisted an extremely rare moth, the eastern bordered straw, which has been found in moth traps across southern England. Additionally, striped hawkmoths, another rare and unusual arrival, are worth keeping an eye out for.
Benefits for Gardens and Farmers
Painted ladies are a delight for gardeners and farmers because their caterpillars feed on a wide range of thistles, helping to control these weeds. In five or six weeks, a large British-born generation of painted ladies is likely to emerge—just in time for the world's largest citizen science insect count, which involves 100,000 volunteers every July. 'It feels like a real butterfly summer, and this big immigration could give us an even bigger brood in time for the Big Butterfly Count,' Hoare said.
Vote for Your Favourite Butterfly
The painted lady's arrival en masse may prompt a late surge in voting for Butterfly Conservation's poll to find Britain's favourite butterfly. The painted lady could yet challenge the peacock butterfly for the top spot. 'If the painted lady is your favourite, make sure you cast your vote,' Hoare encouraged.
