Katie shares this latest news from Butterfly Conservation. Ed
The beautiful Small Tortoiseshell is one of the most recognisable and widespread UK species and is a regular garden fixture in high summer. But this year, numbers have been worryingly low as the cool spring and slow start to the summer appear to have taken their toll on the butterfly’s attempts to breed and feed.
Population plummeted by 73% since 1970s
Small Tortoiseshell sightings are significantly down across the UK and gardeners are being asked to look out for the butterfly by joining the Garden Butterfly Survey, sponsored by B&Q, to help build a picture of what is happening.
The Small Tortoiseshell has endured a tumultuous recent history. The butterfly, whose population has plummeted by 73% since the 1970s, 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.
Long-term decline
Butterfly Conservation Head of Recording Richard Fox said:
“We don’t understand what is causing the drastic long-term decline of this familiar and much-loved 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.”
Important indicators
Butterflies are important indicators of the health of the environment. By helping them, gardeners can help create a better home for wildlife, especially beneficial insects such as bees that play a vital role in pollinating wildflowers and many crops.
B&Q customers are being encouraged to plant butterfly and pollinator-friendly plants in their gardens and help record the butterflies they see in their gardens throughout the year as part of the Garden Butterfly Survey.
The UK’s estimated 22 million gardens represent an area roughly the size of Somerset and, at a time when butterflies are in severe decline, offer a potentially huge and vitally important habitat.
Take part in the survey
Butterfly sightings can be entered online to help build a picture of the fortunes of these beautiful insects.
Image: © Bob Eade, Butterfly Conservation
