In 2025, Hartlepool and Suffolk recorded their first-ever Pieris mannii, a rare Southern European butterfly sighted in the UK. This historic event marks a shift in British wildlife and reflects how climate change is influencing species movement. It has sparked excitement among butterfly enthusiasts and conservationists, raising questions about whether this newcomer can adapt and thrive here.
What is the Southern Small White Butterfly?
The Southern Small White butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly from the Pieridae family. With a wingspan of 35 to 46 millimetres, it has white wings with black spots on the upper side and greenish-veined undersides. It is native to dry, stony grasslands, woodland clearings, and gardens across Southern Europe.
Its caterpillars feed mainly on Candy tuft (Iberis sempervirens) and Bladderpod (Allyssoides utriculatum). Since these plants are scarce in the UK, their long-term survival as a breeding species may depend on human support, particularly through targeted planting.
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When and Where Was a Rare Southern European Butterfly Sighted in the UK?
The first confirmed sighting took place on July 1, 2025, in Hartlepool, Cleveland, observed by Martyn Sidwell. A second record came on August 2 at Landguard Nature Reserve in Suffolk, where volunteer William Brame photographed a female. Leading butterfly experts, including Chris van Swaay, chair of Butterfly Conservation Europe, verified both reports.
How Can You Tell It Apart from Other White Butterflies?
Distinguishing this species from the Small White and Large White takes careful observation. The Southern Small White has a large black spot at the edge of its forewing, extending downward in line with a circular spot. The Small White’s mark is smaller and less pronounced, while the Large White is bigger overall and has a black band running along the wing’s edge.
| Feature | Southern Small White (Pieris mannii) | Small White (Pieris rapae) | Large White (Pieris brassicae) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wing Span | 35–46 mm | 45–65 mm | 63–70 mm |
| Upper Wing Color | White with black spots | White with black spots | White with black spots |
| Black Spot Pattern | Large spot at edge, extends down in line with circular spot | Smaller spot, does not extend as far | Larger spot, extends down the wing’s edge |
| Caterpillar Foodplants | Candy tuft, Bladderpod | Crucifers, brassicas | Crucifers, brassicas |
| Habitat | Dry stony grassland, woodland clearings, gardens | Gardens, fields | Gardens, fields |
Source: butterfly-conservation.org
Tools like the ObsIdentify app can help confirm sightings.
Why Has it Expanded to the UK?
The butterfly’s northward expansion is strongly linked to global heating, which has opened up previously unsuitable regions. Since first appearing north of the Alps in 2008, it has advanced about 100 kilometres per year, reaching the Netherlands in 2015 and Calais in 2019.
An exceptionally warm spring in 2025 may have allowed it to cross the North Sea. While climate change is the main factor, habitat conditions and human activity may also have supported its movement.
What Could This Mean for UK Biodiversity?
The addition of this species to the UK’s butterfly list, which currently includes around 60 residents, is a notable milestone. Dr Dan Hoare of Butterfly Conservation described its movement from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea as an “ecological leap”.
Its future in the UK will depend on whether it can find enough host plants to breed. The female recorded in Suffolk may have laid eggs, but without more Candy tuft, a stable population will be difficult. Encouraging gardeners to plant their own food could make a significant difference.
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Rare Southern European Butterfly Sighted in UK: Could It Thrive Here?
If it adapts well to British conditions, the Southern Small White could become a seasonal visitor or a permanent resident in southern England. This would be another example of how climate change is reshaping ecosystems, with species moving beyond their traditional ranges.
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FAQs
1. Is the Rare Southern European Butterfly Sighted in the UK a Threat to Crops?
Unlike the Small White and Large White, whose caterpillars are known for eating brassicas, the Southern Small White feeds on Candytuft and Bladderpod. These plants are not crops, meaning they pose no risk to farming.
2. How Can You Identify and Support It?
To identify it, look for a medium-sized white butterfly with a sizable black forewing spot aligned with a circular spot below. Planting Candy tuft in gardens can help provide food for its caterpillars. Participating in citizen science programmes, such as the Big Butterfly Count, can also help track its spread.
3. Why This Arrival Matters for Climate Change Awareness
The rare Southern European butterfly sighted in the UK is a visible example of how warming temperatures are altering wildlife distribution. Tracking such arrivals provides valuable insight into the pace of environmental change and shows that local conservation action can influence whether new species survive in their new homes.
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