Sensitivity of UK butterflies to local climatic extremes: which life stages are most at risk?

摘要: Summary There is growing recognition as to the importance of extreme climatic events (ECEs) in determining changes species populations. In fact, it often extent climate variability that determines a population's ability persist at given site. This study examined impact ECEs on resident UK butterfly (n = 41) over 37-year period. The investigated sensitivity butterflies four extremes (drought, precipitation, heat and cold), identified site level, across each species' life stages. Variations vulnerability level were also compared based three life-history traits (voltinism, habitat requirement range). This first examine effects all stages butterfly, identifying sensitive unravelling role play ECEs. Butterfly population found be primarily driven by temperature extremes. Extreme was detrimental during overwintering periods beneficial adult cold had opposite impacts both these Previously undocumented for precipitation pupal stage univoltine species. Generalists have significantly more negative associations with than specialists. With future projections warmer, wetter winters severe weather events, could come under pressure findings this study.