Frances O’Brien is an Environmental Biologist and Conservation Writer, and the voice behind ButterflyAsk.com — a platform dedicated to exploring the science, symbolism, and conservation of butterflies around the world. With an M.Sc. in Environmental Biology from the University of Cambridge and over a decade of field and research experience, Frances combines scientific precision with a storyteller’s empathy to make butterfly knowledge accessible to everyone.
Expertise and Focus
Frances specializes in:
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Lepidopterology & Species Identification – documenting behavioural traits and life-cycle variations among Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Morphos.
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Pollinator Ecology – studying the relationships between butterflies, host plants, and regional biodiversity.
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Habitat Restoration & Climate Impact Research – evaluating the effects of land-use change and pesticide exposure.
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Environmental Education – translating academic ecology into practical conservation advice for students, gardeners, and wildlife stewards.
At ButterflyAsk.com, Her Coverage Includes
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Species & Identification: Detailed guides for global butterfly families.
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Behavior & Ecology: Insights into migration, camouflage, and pollination dynamics.
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Gardening & Habitats: Step-by-step methods to create butterfly-friendly gardens.
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Conservation & Environment: Strategies for supporting endangered and regional species.
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Culture & Symbolism: Exploring butterflies in art, mythology, and spirituality.
Professional Achievements
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Contributor to the European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (eBMS) on population-trend reporting.
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Co-author of “Urban Pollinators and the Shifting Seasons” (2023), published in Ecological Entomology.
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Speaker at the Royal Entomological Society’s Pollinator Week on climate-resilient gardening.
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Recognized for merging academic research with accessible environmental journalism.
Education
M.Sc. in Environmental Biology, University of Cambridge — 2011–2013
Focus: Climate impacts on Lepidoptera and pollinator migration ecology.
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B.Sc. (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Bristol — 2007–2010
Dissertation: “Butterfly Diversity in Fragmented Grassland Habitats.”
Field Research Certification, British Ecological Society — 2014
Specialization in invertebrate biodiversity assessment and habitat monitoring.
Mission at ButterflyAsk.com
Frances’s goal is to build a trusted, science-driven resource for butterfly enthusiasts, students, and conservation advocates. Through carefully researched articles and collaborative projects, she helps readers understand not just how butterflies live — but why their survival defines ecological balance.
Her writing transforms curiosity into conservation, connecting scientific evidence with actionable compassion.
Personal Side
Based in Oxford, England, Frances spends her free time:
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Photographing butterflies across nature reserves and botanical gardens.
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Volunteering with local pollinator-corridor restoration programs.
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Teaching weekend biodiversity workshops for community schools.
Her hobbies reflect her lifelong belief that small acts of attention — planting milkweed, pausing to observe a wing pattern — can spark lasting environmental change.
Closing Note
Through ButterflyAsk.com, Frances O’Brien delivers more than just educational articles — she builds an enduring bridge between science, storytelling, and stewardship.
Her mission is simple yet profound: to help the world see butterflies not as fleeting ornaments, but as vital indicators of life, beauty, and balance.