Flutteredbye?

The UK's 2022 Big Butterfly Count took place at a time of record sunshine. This should, of course, have encouraged these brightly-coloured insect species. In fact, fewer butterflies were recorded than at any time in the count's 13 year history (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/07/number-of-butterflies-in-uk-falls-to-lowest-since-surveys-began). 2022, was the third consecutive year in a row, in which a lowest ever butterfly count was seen. The Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus), although declining, become the commonest recorded species. The only species to show rises, were Speckled woods (Parage aegeria tircis); Holly blues (Celestrina argiolus); Common blues (Polyommatus icarus) and Commas (Polygonia c-album). Butterflies appeared to be declining most quickly in urban areas. This was, perhaps, related to habitat destruction (use of plastic turf, concreting of car parking spots etc). The only species that appeared to be thriving in urban gardens was the Jersey tiger (Euplagia quadripunctata) which is a day-flying moth. Declining day-flying lepidoptera is a clear sign of environmental problems!