A new survey by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed very low numbers of butterflies in the UK this year compared to last year.
On average, participants in the annual Big Butterfly Count (a UK-wide survey that counts the amount and type of butterflies) have seen just over half the number of butterflies that were spotted this time last year.
It's the lowest number recorded in the 14-year history of the survey.
Where are all the butterflies?
Experts say the unusually wet and windy spring, along with the relatively cool summer could be contributing to the lack of butterflies.
“Butterflies need some warm and dry conditions to be able to fly around and mate," explains Dr Dan Hoare, Director of Conservation at Butterfly Conservation.
"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.”
It's not only the weather that's contributing to the fall in butterflies seen this year, according to Butterfly Conservation, who says that habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use have been the main drivers of an 80% decline in butterfly numbers since the 1970s.
Depleted butterfly populations make the insects less resilient to the impact of poor weather.
"The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign to us all," says Dr Hoare.
"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."
There is a chance of a butterfly emergence later this year if there is a prolonged sunny spell, but with numbers at an all-time low over the past 14 years, the insects need all the help they can get.
“People are telling us that they aren’t seeing butterflies, but simply telling us is not enough," says Dr Hoare.
"We need everyone to record what they are or aren’t seeing by doing a Big Butterfly Count as this will give us the evidence we need to take vital action to conserve our butterfly species.”
How to help butterflies
There is just one week of the Big Butterfly Count remaining (ends 4 August). To get involved, head outside for 15 minutes and record the number and type of butterflies you see, then enter your results on the website.
It's free, fun and quick to do. It is open to anyone, in any part of the UK – a back garden or balcony, a public park, allotment or country lane.
All findings are useful, even if you see very few or no butterflies. The results help scientists understand more about how butterflies in the UK are faring, which in turn informs conservation projects and government policies.
For more information and to take part simply visit bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
Main image: Common blue butterfly (male). Credit: Andrew Cooper
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