This summer, butterfly and day-flying moth numbers recorded in Devon and Cornwall have been described as "very good" by Butterfly Conservation, a UK-based charity dedicated to protecting these insects. Nearly 5,000 people took part in the charity's Big Butterfly Count in Devon, spotting 77,151 insects over three weeks. In Cornwall, almost 3,000 participants recorded 47,712 insects. Professor Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, noted that adult butterflies typically thrive in hot weather. However, he warned that prolonged hot and dry conditions could lead to a population decline. He referenced past extreme droughts in 1976 and 1995, which severely impacted butterfly numbers, with some species never fully recovering. The current strong numbers are attributed to favorable conditions for caterpillars in spring and the sunny summer weather that benefits adult butterflies. Despite the current success, the charity cautioned that previous drought conditions may have affected food plants crucial for caterpillars, which could impact future populations. The full effects of these conditions may not be evident until next year. Fox emphasized that many butterfly species are already under pressure, with 80% of the UK's butterfly populations declining since the 1970s. He warned that with more frequent hot, dry summers and degraded habitats, some species may be pushed closer to extinction. To help wildlife recover, Butterfly Conservation urged people to plant more trees and shrubs, install water butts to collect rainwater, and leave areas of grass uncut. In Devon and Cornwall, the gatekeeper butterfly was the most commonly spotted species. In Devon, the meadow brown took the second spot, followed by the red admiral. In Cornwall, the red admiral was second, with the painted lady following. The painted lady was a standout species, with 6,955 recorded in Devon and 6,033 in Cornwall. Known for its incredible migration from Africa to the UK, crossing the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea, the painted lady had a strong year nationally.