Mystery over low butterfly counts
It is still a mystery as to why the butterfly counts were so low this summer. It came as a shock to Butterfly Conservation’s recording team. Butterfly numbers were poor in 2012 but that was put down to the cold, wet conditions – this summer was relatively good. Possible causes for the decline this year are: the mild winter may have had some sort of negative effect, or the cold spring, or perhaps it is an indication that intensive farming and the use of pesticides is starting to hit the species.
Despite this, more than 36,000 people participated in the Big butterfly count this year which is a testament to Butterfly Conservation members and the wider public.
I read this observation and was very suprised. I live in Littondale and in March saw masses of peacock butterfies feeding on the blackthorn blossom- about 800 feet, just before that- possibly February I had seen brimstones at about 750 feet.
Later this summer lots of limestone blue or small blue, Northern Brown Argus and again masses of peacocks on the wild marjoram. We have a bit of wildflower meadow which hosted commas and red admirals and painted lady. There were others but I wasn’t quick enough or knowledgeable enough to recognise them.
Red admirals saw out the summer in the garden and on our walls basking in what was a late warm period.
So all these specimens may choose warmer lower altitude climes next year and your count will be up!
Hi Kate, thanks for the comment. It sounds like the butterflies fared better near you. It is interesting that you saw so many at higher altitudes. We’ll have to wait and see what our butterfly recorders report. They usually present their findings at the recorders evening in March.