Where are all the butterflies?

Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed very low numbers of butterflies have been spotted in their annual Big Butterfly Count. On average participants are seeing just over half the number of butterflies they were spotting this time last year.

The unusually wet and windy spring, coupled with the colder than usual temperatures so far this summer could be contributing to the lack of butterflies. While there is a chance of a later emergence of the insects if there is a prolonged sunny spell, numbers are currently the lowest recorded in the 14-year history of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.

Dr Dan Hoare, Director of Conservation at Butterfly Conservation, explains: “Butterflies need some warm and dry conditions to be able to fly around and mate. If the weather doesn’t allow for this there will be fewer opportunities to breed, and the lack of butterflies now is likely the knock-on effect of our very dreary spring and early summer.”

However, the charity is also warning that it is not only this year’s weather that is contributing to the lack of butterflies being seen. 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s, with habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use the main drivers of this decline.

With populations of butterflies already depleted, they are less resilient to the impact of poor weather.

Dr Dan Hoare continues: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign to us all. Nature is sounding the alarm and we must listen. Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they are in trouble we know the wider environment is in trouble too.”

You can view the results for Ramsgate Montefiore Woodland by visiting - www.montefiorewoodland.org.uk/butterfly-survey

Written by:
Butterfly Conservation