Conservationists are telling us that since the Second World War British Butterflies have been in decline. The loss of their habitat can be put down to several reasons, but changes in agricultural management, reutilisation of land and pollution must be some of the main causes for the decline. Other factors to add to this decline in numbers could also include Climate Change, the change in the seasons, higher temperatures, heavy rainfall and flooding and extremes in temperature. Obviously all these changes not only affect Butterflies but many other creatures as well, including humans!.
The Summer of 2013 appears to have seen a slight upturn in these numbers. During my travels around the County and Country this summer, I have seen a significant increase in their numbers which has often been a topical talking point of interest, lets hope it continues.
Large White
Generally regarded as a nusiance by many gardeners and horticulturalists due to its caterpillars appetite for eating brassicas and nasturtiums. The Large White often reffered to as the cabbage white, is one of the few butterflies often classed as a pest.
The female is distinquished from the male by the presence of 2 black spots, together with a black dash on the underside of the forewing.
It is a regular visitor to the garden though on occassions the population can explode with a mass immigration from mainland Europe.
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