Sign in

Butterfly Conservation Europe

@europebutterfly.bsky.social
2.4K followers 156 following 230 posts

Non profit organisation working to save butterflies, moths and their habitats across Europe. We have Network Partners in most European countries and run a wide range of conservation and monitoring projects

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
martinswarren.bsky.social @martinswarren.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Clearly something to work on, but the community of moth enthusiasts is growing quickly in Europe and a wonderful group in Portugal are leading the way www.reborboletasn.org/the-project. The EU has now adopted moths as one of the compulsory pollinator groups to monitor which will give it a boost.
reborboletasn.org
Sobre o Projecto (Inglês) | Borboletas Nocturnas
241
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The new (slightly revised) Red List of European Moths has been published by the EU. A summary and links to downloads can be found on our website. Moths play a vital role in ecosystems and there is also an important new document on how to plan for their conservation www.bc-europe.eu/webpage.php?...
16126
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Elia Guariento @eliaguariento.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
New paper out on the future impact of extreme weather events on butterflies in Italy - 🦋❄️🌡️⛈️ Lead by @dinobiancolini.bsky.social onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... @euracalpenv.bsky.social @europebutterfly.bsky.social
0199
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Tour update 🚨 Another booking today for Spring Butterflies of Andalusia moves the tour to guaranteed departure status. And that means another guaranteed donation to @europebutterfly.bsky.social too. www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
Spanish Festoon (Zerynthia rumina) © Jon DunnSpanish Fritillary (Euphydryas desfontainii) © Clive Burrows
0265
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The False Apollo (Archon apollinus). One of Europe’s rarest & most beautiful butterflies. Photos show eggs (laid on Aristolochia), the striking caterpillar, and both sexes of the adult (female top, male bottom). 📸 All taken on our spring holiday in northern Greece. @europebutterfly.bsky.social
0246
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
🌿 Greenwings Guest Gallery A new regular feature sharing some of the wonderful wildlife photographed by guests on our holidays. First up: a male Meleager’s Blue (Polyommatus daphnis), photographed by Gillian E. in Romania, June 2026. 🦋 @europebutterfly.bsky.social
1417
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Catalan Butterfly Monitoring Scheme @catalanbms.org · 28/09/2026
How do butterflies respond to grassland restoration and intensification? 🦋 ⏱️ Communities shift within just 1–2 years 🌿 Extensive grazing favours grassland specialists 📉 Intensification reduces species richness and butterfly abundance 📄https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2026.110731
062
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Chris van Swaay @chrisvanswaay.eurosky.social · 28/09/2026
The Essex Skipper (zwartsprietdikkopje, T lineola) had declined by >90% on Dutch Butterfly Monitoring transects since 1995. In N America the species is an invasive, accidentilly introduced around 1910, still expanding. This photo from www.inaturalist.org/observations/231653174 shows it in NW Canada.
1168
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Dave Grundy @davegrundy.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Part 1 - Moth-trapping at - CIMA, Tarifa, Cadiz Province, Andalucia, Spain, on 15th August 2026 - moth highlights are - Etiella zinckenella & Achyra nudalis - see alt button for photos #teammoth #spanishmoths www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
This has always been one of my favourites! With its 'jaunty' stance and the long 'nose' (palps) - it looks to have real character - Etiella zinckenella. - moth-trapping at CIMA, Tarifa, Cadiz Province, Andalucia, Spain on the 15th of August 2026.And another micro-moth - this time not a Pyralid, but instead, a Crambid moth. Achyra nudalis - moth-trapping at CIMA, Tarifa, Cadiz Province, Andalucia, Spain on the 15th of August 2026.Here is the view on the excellent evening walk into Tarifa, which i was keen to do on my first night back! - it was all part of returning back to my second home. - moth-trapping at CIMA, Tarifa, Cadiz Province, Andalucia, Spain on the 15th of August 2026.
0151
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Tour update 🚨 The 2027 edition of our highly popular Serbian tour, False Comma and Summer Butterflies of Serbia, moves to guaranteed departure status this morning with another booking received, which means a guaranteed donation to @europebutterfly.bsky.social www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
Just a tiny handful of the wonderful butterflies we expect to see in Serbia, images © Janos Olah & Clive Burrows

[clockwise from top left] Balkan Copper, False Comma, Freyer's Fritillary, Russian Heath, Yellow-banded Skipper, Lesser Lattice Brown
0194
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Please sign up to this petition to keep the vital laws saving European wildlife.
074
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
And we are very grateful for your support at this critical time for Europe’ s butterflies and moths. This year, together with partner in almost every country, we produced a new Red List of European Butterflies and the moth version is due this autumn. We are gearing up to take more action
0106
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Good morning & welcome to a new week! Our featured tour of the week, Autumn Exotica in Andalusia, promises a host of butterflies rare in a European context, and a donation to support the brilliant science-led conservation work of @europebutterfly.bsky.social: www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
(l-r, top to bottom)

Monarch, African Babul Blue, Two-tailed Pasha, Desert Orange Tip
Mediterranean Skipper, False Mallow Skipper, Plain Tiger, Zeller's Skipper
African Babul Blue, Desert Orange Tip, Desert Babul Blue, African Grass Blue

Images © Jon Dunn & David Moore
1205
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Geoff Campbell North Antrim Moths @gcampbellphoto.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Scotch Argus (Erebia aethiops) - Cairngorms, Scotland - September 2026. A new butterfly species for me, though they were a little past their best. #butterfly #butterflies #gcampbellphoto #savebutterflies @savebutterflies.bsky.social @ukbutterflies.bsky.social @europebutterfly.bsky.social
0121
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
martinswarren.bsky.social @martinswarren.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This will be a crucial conference setting out the problems facing butterflies and moths and hopefully some solutions
1112
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Tour update 🚨 Unsurprisingly, given the tour's success this week and last year, Autumn Exotica in Andalusia now moves to guaranteed departure status with another booking today. And that means another donation to @europebutterfly.bsky.social is now guaranteed. www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
Mating pair of Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) © Jon Dunn
Mating pair of Mediterranean Skipper (Gegenes nostrodamus) © Jon Dunn
0141
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
We are delighted to be supporting the next Symposium on the Ecology and Conservation of Butterflies and Moths. In Girona, Spain 6-10 April 2027. Early Bird bookings open now. Don’t miss it. esdeveniments.udg.edu/148395/detai...
esdeveniments.udg.edu
Ecology and Conservation of Butterflies & Moths International Symposium
6-10 april 2027 Girona The Ecology and Conservation of Butterflies " />
03319
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
sergius @aurumnostrum.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Triodia sylvina 12/09/2023 C Serbia
0101
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
"A total of 106 species including 10 Erebia ringlets was beyond our expectations, and all against a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery" More lovely feedback for Butterflies of the Hautes Pyrenees. Thank you Chris & Sheila!
Guest testimonial for our Butterflies of the Hautes Pyrenees tour
0174
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"Richly rewarded with rare Erebias and local specialities, evidence of the extensive site research that had been done" A lovely testimonial from a guest for our current featured tour of the week, Butterflies of the Hautes Pyrenees. Thank you, Harry! www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
Guest testimonial for our Butterflies of the Hautes Pyrenees tour
0236
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Asociación ZERYNTHIA @asoczerynthia.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
🦋🍂 Se acerca el otoño, pero aún se pueden observar muchas mariposas. El próximo domingo 20 te esperamos en Abarzuza para disfrutar de las últimas mariposas del verano en un recorrido pensado para disfrutar en familia con Asociación Anberria 🌿🦋 📩 Inscripciones: 677153446 ¡Te esperamos! 🦋
031
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
French report of the findings of our recent Red List sciencepress.mnhn.fr/fr/periodiqu...
sciencepress.mnhn.fr
Conservation des papillons de jour en France : que faut-il retenir de la Liste rouge européenne de 2025 ?
La mise à jour 2025 de la Liste rouge européenne des papillons de jour constitue un jalon majeur après quinze années sans réévaluation. Bien qu’établie à l’échelle européenne, elle revêt ...
0104
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
martinswarren.bsky.social @martinswarren.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I’m getting regular Clouded Yellow in my garden in Corfe Castle in the south of the UK these days, probably feeding up before their long journey south to France and Spain @europebutterfly.bsky.social @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
1435
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Great to hear that the second volume of Butterflies of the Western Palaearctic is now available. This is a superb two-volume reference work by Vadim Tshikolovets that summarizes knowledge of over 900 species found in the West Palaearctic region. Please check your local bookseller
0163
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A trio of Bhutan Glory (Bhutanitis lidderdalii) photographed by our Bhutanese guide in eastern Bhutan yesterday. Freshly emerged, they're busily imbibing minerals, to prepare for life. @europebutterfly.bsky.social @sbbtrust.bsky.social
0408
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Good morning & welcome to a new week! Our featured tour is Spring Butterflies in Andalusia. It's is a wonderful way to start spring with a flourish, immersed in the colourful and special butterflies of this lovely region of Spain. @europebutterfly.bsky.social www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
Green-striped White (Euchloe belemia) © Jon Dunn
Spanish Festoon (Zerynthia rumina) © Jon Dunn
Aetherie Fritillary (Melitaea aetherie) © Clive BurrowsSpanish Marbled White (Melanargia ines)© Clive Burrows
0385
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Tour update 🚨 Spring Butterflies in the French Pyrenees next May now moves to guaranteed departure status. Also guaranteed, like all of our butterfly tours, is a donation to support the brilliant work of @europebutterfly.bsky.social. www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
Provence Orange Tip (Anthocharis euphenoides) © Jon DunnViolet Copper (Lycaena helle) © Jon Dunn
1183
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Dave Grundy @davegrundy.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Part 4 - of my travels to the eclipse! - at Sierra Nevada, Granada, Andalucia, Spain on the 9th of August 2026. Highlights included; Jersey Tiger - Euplagia quadripunctaria & Grass Eggar - Lasiocampa trifoli - see alt button for photos #teammoth #spanishmoths www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
And maybe the biggest surprise at this windswept altitude trap was seeing one of this common lower down species!? Jersey Tiger - Euplagia quadripunctaria - moth-trapping up on the ridge to Pico del Veleta at 2,300 metres, Sierra Nevada, Granada Province, Andalucia, Spain on the 9th of August 2026.And down at the lower ridge altitude of 2,100 metres and the other side of the ridge facing north instead of south, conditions were fine for relaxed moth trapping! Here a cracking fresh looking Grass Eggar - Lasiocampa trifoli. - moth-trapping up on the ridge to Pico del Veleta at 2,100 metres, Sierra Nevada, Granada Province, Andalucia, Spain on the 9th of August 2026.The dawn light was fantastic - moth-trapping up on the ridge to Pico del Veleta at 2,300 metres, Sierra Nevada, Granada Province, Andalucia, Spain on the 9th of August 2026. It's a shame that the wind didn't agree! all traps were of course, weighed down with rocks to stop parts getting blown away! (And remember you can set up in calm weather but return to a gale!)
1191
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Chris van Swaay @chrisvanswaay.eurosky.social · 02/09/2026
Since it recolonised NL in 2009, the spread north of the Mallow Skipper (kaasjeskruiddikkopje, C alceae) in the SW has been much faster than in the SE, despite having to cross stretches of water up to 5km regularly. The species prefers the clay-soils in SW and West NL and seems to avoid sandy soil.
0255
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Sad to hear of these declines in the UK, but good to hear that the last 10 years have not been so bad
041
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
De Vlinderstichting @vlinderstichting.eurosky.social · 27/08/2026
Ook in september is er nog veel te genieten van nachtvlinders. Tientallen locaties in de ‘Nacht van Verwondering’ heten u van harte welkom. vlinderstichting.nl/nachtvanverw...
1277
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
📢 NEW holiday! 🦋🇫🇷 Butterflies of The French Alps: Mercantour & the Queyras 10th - 17th July 2027 We first holidayed here in 2014 & no wonder we always return - beautiful landscapes a bonanza of butterflies! Find out more and book here: greenwings.co/our-holidays... @europebutterfly.bsky.social
Apollo butterfly by Pete EFrench Alps landscape by Jeff L
0154
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Tour update🚨 It's going fast! With 2 more places secured yesterday, the 2027 edition of Butterflies of the Montes Universales is now almost half-fully booked. Naturally, the tour generates a donation to support the vital work of @europebutterfly.bsky.social. www.mariposanature.com/tours/butter...
Mother-of-Pearl Blue (Polyommatus nivescens) © Jon Dunn
Iberian Sooty Copper (Lycaena bleusei) © Jon Dunn
0135
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
We only announced it a few days ago but it is already confirmed and almost fully booked, so act soon if you want to join this fabulous butterfly and wildlife watching holiday with us in France! @europebutterfly.bsky.social
Male and female Purple-edged Copper butterflies (Lycaena hippothoe) by Ben Greenaway.
0153
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Nota Lepidopterologica @notalepido.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
🦋First stable population of protected #butterfly Papilio alexanor found in southern Italy (Campania-Basilicata border), previously unknown outside Liguria/Piedmont. New host plant recorded (Ferula glauca). Full research in our #openaccess journal👇 doi.org/10.3897/nl.4...
1367
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Nota Lepidopterologica @notalepido.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
👉Read Dr. Paolo Mazzei's insights on the rediscovery of Papilio alexanor on the @pensoft.net's blog: blog.pensoft.net/2026/08/19/h...
blog.pensoft.net
How Citizen Science and Fieldwork Rediscovered Papilio alexanor in Southern Italy | Blog
The rediscovery of Papilio alexanor in southern Italy marks a historic moment for Italian lepidopterology.
0155
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Fascinating snapshot showing real strongholds of this species that likes damp grasslands.
092
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The widespread heatwaves and drought experienced in many parts of Europe had taken their toll here too, on habitats & numbers of butterflies. In a ‘normal’ year we might have expected 115-125 species but in spite of these testing conditions we still saw 107 species.
Styrian Ringlet (Erebia stirius)
131
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Picture postcards from our recently completed butterfly holiday in Slovenia. Upland Erebia’s were a main goal & we saw 14-15 species, including the endemic Lorkovic’s Brassy Ringlet (Erebia calcaria), Stygian Ringlet (Erebia styx), and Styrian Ringlet (Erebia stirius). @europebutterfly.bsky.social
Lorkovic’s Brassy Ringlet (Erebia calcaria)Stygian Ringlet (Erebia styx)
3176
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Jon Dunn @dunnjons.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Any shortlist of my favourite butterflies of Spain's Montes Universales simply has to feature its wonderful endemic, late-summer Erebia ringlet, Zapater's Ringlet. Like the butterfly equivalent of a Jaffa cake with those dark chocolate and orange wings, and just as much of a treat.
Zapater's Ringlet (Erebia zapateri) © Jon Dunn
Zapater's Ringlet (Erebia zapateri) © Jon Dunn
1505
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mariposa Nature Tours @mariposanature.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Tour update 🚨 Two places taken in the past day on our Romania in Spring tour, marking another tour fully booked in our 2027 portfolio. Again, this tour generates a donation to @europebutterfly.bsky.social. Tours with remaining availability can be found here: www.mariposanature.com/calendar
mariposanature.com
Tour Calender | Mariposa Nature Tours
Our tour calender has all upcoming tour dates in one place, making it easier than ever to plan your holiday.
1112
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Greenwings Wildlife Holidays @greenwingstours.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Southern Hermit (Chazara prieuri) photos taken this year in the Montes Universales, Spain. One of the key species we look for on our summer butterfly tour there, which you can of course join next year. Find out more on our website: greenwings.co/our-holidays... @europebutterfly.bsky.social
0133
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Jon Dunn @dunnjons.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Right place, right time. Absolutely elated to see almost double figures of European heavyweight rarity, Southern Hermit, this afternoon on the final day of the annual @mariposanature.bsky.social Butterflies of the Montes Universales tour. #butterflies @europebutterfly.bsky.social
Southern Hermit (Chazara prieuri) © Jon Dunn
2414
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Mark Skevington🦋🦊🟢 @whetstoneskev.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
#mothfacefriday #vc55moths #teammoth A palp and eye view of Red Underwing (Catocala nupta).
0202
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Richard Tripp @richardtripp.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Oberthur’s Anomalous Blue (probably). I’ve seen a few worn anomalous blue types over the last couple of days. Some with no white stripe, others with a weak or bold stripe. A couple could be readily identified as male Damon Blue in flight. Montes Universales. @europebutterfly.bsky.social
Oberthur’s Anomolous Blue - Polyommatus fabressei (probably)
1102
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Guy Pe'er @guypeer.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The European Parliament will soon decide on its path for the CAP reform. Will they adopt a dangerous CAP proposal, or can they find a way to retain (or even expand and improve) what works? Watch our YouTube film and our plea for policymakers here: www.agroecology-transect.org/toolkit-reso...
0114
Butterfly Conservation Europe @europebutterfly.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Great UK project to help save Hamearis lucina. Bravo
020
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Nature Ecology & Evolution @natecoevo.nature.com · 07/08/2026
Insects are increasingly pressured by climate change. Here the authors compile global evidence of range shifts in butterflies and call for more co-ordinated efforts in documenting such trends across countries 🧪 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Extensive climate-induced range shifts in butterflies across the globe - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Insects are increasingly pressured by climate change. Here the authors compile global evidence of range shifts in butterflies and call for more co-ordinated efforts in documenting such trends across c...
03620
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Jelltex @jelltex.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Marbled ringlet, Erebia montana. #butterfly #insect
1336
Reposted by Butterfly Conservation Europe
Graeme Davis @gremlingraeme.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia) Romania Two forms - blue form ilia & orange form clytie,the latter is more commonly encountered in southern regions of its distribution Found in woodlands often near rivers or damp areas Caterpillars feed on Aspen (P tremula) etc #LesserPurpleEmperor
1142