Decline in number of best-loved butterflies
CONSERVATIONISTS have issued a warning over the decline of one of the UK’s bestloved butterflies.
Numbers of the small tortoiseshell – which is one of the most recognisable and widespread in the country – appear to have plummeted this summer.
It is believed the cool spring and slow start to summer have taken their toll on the butterfly’s attempts to breed and feed.
Small tortoiseshell sightings are significantly down across the UK and gardeners are being asked to join a butterfly survey to help build a picture of what is happening.
Conservationists said the butterfly has endured a tumultuous recent history, with its population plummeting by almost three-quarters since the 1970s.
It had seen its numbers rise over the last few years and hopes were high that it was on the path to recovery but this summer’s poor showing could mean the small tortoiseshell is set for yet more years of decline.
Richard Fox, Butterfly Conservation’s head of recording, said: “We don’t understand what is causing the drastic long-term decline of this familiar and muchloved butterfly.
“Theories involve climate change, pollution and parasitic flies that kill the butterfly’s caterpillars but we need more information.
“If you see small tortoiseshells or any other butterflies in your garden, the garden butterfly survey provides an easy way to enter your sightings, contribute to citizen science and store your records for posterity.”