A research centre has helped to solve one of the longest-standing mysteries of where the UK’s Painted Lady butterflies, above, go each autumn.

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, based in Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, was involved in a survey of the creature’s habits, which was published on Thursday.

The research revealed they make an intergenerational journey each year from Africa to the Arctic and back again. Until now scientists had no idea whether a return journey was made at the end of summer, or if they simply died.