Gardening in a changing climate

Other new insect arrivals

European swallowtail (Papilio machaon subsp. gorganus) (right)
Native to Europe and Asia. While the slightly smaller and darker British race (subsp. britannicus) is confined to the Norfolk Broads and feeds only on milk parsley (Peucedanum palustre), the European race (sometimes found in the UK as migratory adults) is a common garden butterfly in northern France, feeding on fennel, parsley and carrots. It is ironic that a subspecies of a rare and protected British insect could potentially become a minor garden nuisance.

Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa)
A native of Europe, this insect is common in central and southern France. A sit-still-and-wait predator, it eats flies, wasps or any other insect; it flies well. There are two reports of live singletons in the UK: one in 1959 and another in 2003.

Western clubtail dragonfly (Gomphus pulchellus)
A native of southwest Europe, this insect spread north and east during the 20th century. Although several dragonflies regularly migrate to Britain and occasionally become established, they are usually lake, river or stream species; this one breeds in any pool, including garden ponds.