A small ladybird species normally found on the continent has been recorded in Britain for the first time, conservationists say, after increased sightings in the New Forest and Southampton during a warm summer.
Naturalists working in southern England have identified the Little Arboreal Ladybird among insects caught in moth traps across the New Forest and in parts of Southampton. The discovery marks the first confirmed British records for the species, according to the team involved in the finds.
Prof Russell Wynn, Director of Wild New Forest, said the beetles were found while checking moth traps and other survey traps across the national park. He said: "there were no confirmed British Records prior to this influx".
After examination by local experts, the species will be added to national listings and the UK Species Inventory will recognise it as new to Britain, the conservation group said.
Researchers attribute the appearance of the species on Britain's shores in part to unusually warm weather conditions this year and longer-term warming trends that are allowing some insects to expand northwards from continental Europe.
Prof Wynn, who also chairs the New Forest Biodiversity Forum, said the season had been challenging for some wetland creatures but beneficial for many insects: "It's been a good year for many of the insects, ladybirds included".
On broader movement patterns he added: "There's lots of evidence of moths and butterflies moving north and gradually colonising."
The New Forest contains ancient woods, heaths, bogs and fens, creating a variety of niches that can support newly arrived insects. Conservation teams say habitat restoration work has improved the area's suitability as a landing point for species moving across the English Channel.
Wild New Forest is part of a Species Survival Fund project that supports habitat restoration across roughly two dozen sites in the national park. Managers say expanding and restoring wetlands and other habitats increases the chance that migratory or range-expanding species will establish viable populations.
During a recent ecological survey in one site, Prof Wynn also found 13-Spot Ladybird for the first time in two decades. He described the species as returning to a place where planned wetland creation will expand suitable habitat, saying the future looks positive for the population there.
He also reported sightings of Hippodamia variegata, the Adonis ladybird, which have been found in drier parts of the forest.
On the longer-term implications of shifting species distributions Prof Wynn said: "We are in a period of flux with our biodiversity because of climate change and so if we can provide a home for species that are naturally colonising and moving north then I think that's a positive thing because they're going to be the species that are going to thrive in the coming decades as temperatures continue to increase."
He encouraged visitors to spend time in the New Forest and observe its wildlife, noting the wide diversity present. "If you do you'll be rewarded with some of these little gems," he said. He added: "The ones that are arriving now are probably going to be the species that are dominant in the coming decades and centuries, so we should certainly welcome them because they're going to be what's maintaining our biodiversity and making sure that we've still got wildlife to look at in 100 years."