Trait data of European and Maghreb butterflies

Trait-based analyses explaining the different responses of species and
communities to environmental changes are increasing in frequency. European
butterflies are an indicator group that responds rapidly to environmental
changes with extensive citizen science contributions to documenting
changes of abundance and distribution. Species traits have been used to
explain long- and short-term responses to climate, land-use and vegetation
changes. Studies are often characterised by limited traits sets being
used, with risks that the relative roles of different traits are not fully
explored. Butterfly trait information is dispersed amongst various sources
and descriptions sometimes differ between sources. We have drawn together
multiple information sets to provide a comprehensive trait database
covering 542 taxa and  25 main traits (subdivided into 217
sub-traits) of the butterflies of Europe and North Africa which should
serve for improved trait-based ecological, conservation-related,
phylogeographic and evolutionary studies of this group of insects. We
provide this data in two forms; the basic data and as processed continuous
and multinomial data, to enhance its potential usage. A maintained
database is available at
https://butterflytraits.github.io/European-Butterfly-Traits/index.html