A rare continental butterfly, the Queen of Spain fritillary, has been spotted at the Eden Project in Cornwall, with staff describing it as one of only a handful of sightings recorded in England this year. The find highlights how warmer weather is drawing more migrant butterfly species across the Channel to the UK, and underscores the role gardens and attractions can play as stopover habitats for wildlife on the move.

The butterfly was noticed in the Outdoor Gardens by six-year-old Lola and later verified by the Cornwall County recorder at Natural England. Although small numbers cross the Channel most years, the species has never bred consistently enough in Britain to be considered a true resident, though sightings have increased recently. Richard Fox of Butterfly Conservation said hot, sunny conditions this summer had provided excellent flying weather for many species, but stressed that good habitats, not just favourable weather, are essential for butterflies to thrive long-term.