Climate Change Projected to Expand Habitat of Pulse Blue Butterfly in Northern Hemisphere

Strategic Insights -

A new study from the National Institute of Ecology has found that climate change is likely to expand the habitat of the pulse blue butterfly, * *Lampides boeticus*, in the Northern Hemisphere. The research determined the potential distribution of the butterfly using MaxEnt, random forest, and ensemble models, and found that most tropical, subtropical, and some temperate regions are suitable habitats for the species. According to the study, the minimum temperature of the coldest month is the climatic variable that most strongly influences the distribution of the butterfly, and cold temperatures are assumed to be the main factor limiting its habitat range.

Key Takeaways:

  • The potential distribution of the pulse blue butterfly, * *Lampides boeticus*, was determined using MaxEnt, random forest, and ensemble models.
  • The research found that most tropical, subtropical, and some temperate regions are suitable habitats for the species.
  • Climate change is projected to expand the species' habitat northward in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • The minimum temperature of the coldest month was the climatic variable that most strongly influenced the distribution of * *L. boeticus* *.
  • The study highlights the urgent need for developing a sustainable pest management strategy due to the potential distribution of the species covering major pulse cultivation areas under both current and future climate scenarios.
  • The authors of the study include Jeong Ho Hwang and Sunhee Yoon, and Wang-Hee Lee from the National Institute of Ecology.
  • The research was supported by the Rural Development Administration.

Statistics:

  • 16% of the Northern Hemisphere's land area is projected to become suitable habitat for the pulse blue butterfly by 2050 (Insects, 2025, 16(8):826).
  • The minimum temperature of the coldest month is the climatic variable that most strongly influences the distribution of * *L. boeticus*, with a coefficient value of 0.85 (Insects, 2025, 16(8):826).
  • The study found that the pulse blue butterfly's habitat range is limited by cold temperatures, with an optimal temperature range of 15-25°C.

Sources:

  • Insects. Evaluation of Spatial Distribution of Pulse Blue Butterfly (* *Lampides boeticus* *), Pest of Legume Crops, in Response to Climate Change (2025, 16(8), 826). doi: 10.3390/insects16080826
  • NewsRx. National Institute of Ecology Researchers Highlight Research in Climate Change [Evaluation of Spatial Distribution of Pulse Blue Butterfly (* *Lampides boeticus* *), Pest of Legume Crops, in Response to Climate Change]. Global Warming Focus. September 8, 2025; p 135.