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.
Small Tortoiseshell
A regular visitor to the garden for most of the year. Though the Small Tortoisehell is probably most frequent during the autumnal months where it readily feeds on the Marigolds and Buddleias as well as Michaelmas daisies.
It is widely distributed throughout the country and appears in many habitats including urban areas, heavily cultivated land and even on the moorlands of Britain.
The Small Tortoiseshell is one of the first butterflies to appear after hibernation on warm sunny days during late MArch.
|
