Weatherwatch: how #SolarFarms benefit #bees and #butterflies | #Biodiversity | The Guardian

An unexpected benefit.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/mar/01/weatherwatch-how-solar-farms-benefit-bees-and-butterflies

#Biology #Ecology #Pollinators

Weatherwatch: how solar farms benefit bees and butterflies

Research shows pollinating insects thrive in solar parks, particularly where a variety of plants are flourishing

^{Paul Brown (The Guardian)}

Bright-eyed Brown butterfly - what a delight to see!
"This small butterfly (from the Nymphalidae or ‘Brown’ family) is known to inhabit peat swamps in coastal and inland areas in the far south-east of South Australia and western Victoria – habitat that has been significantly reduced by wetland drainage and other factors since colonisation. "
Butterflies on the Brink

The local creek has been replanted (over many years) with many native species including Carex, the larval plant of these little gems, while garden/paddock plantings of Leptospermum and Melaleuca spp. help as food-plants.

Of course, this may be the only bright-eyed brown for kilomiles - hopefully not - but i'm classing it as small (and beautiful) success.
i'm wrapt to the gills 😁

#photo #insects #species-revival #SWVic #Glenelg-Ark #Joy #butterflies #insects #Australia