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The Butterfly Effect
It has been said that the single flap of a butterfly wing could cause a hurricane on the other side of the world. The point being that tiny actions can have huge consequences. Butterfly populations in the UK are currently in decline, but with a few small actions from us, we could have a huge effect on reversing that trend.
Over the last 20 years there has been a decline in butterfly and moth numbers in the UK. A recent study compared 28 species over a 20-year period and the result showed that butterfly abundance in urban areas fell by 69%, whilst in rural areas their numbers fell by 45%. There are a number of possible reasons for this decline. In rural areas the effects of intensive agricultural methods, pesticides and set aside land being put back into production are being felt. In urban areas where over 4.5 million gardens have been paved over, the decline has been far worse due to habitat. This year the recent damp weather of the last few months has also caused problems for our fluttery friends.
Butterflies are important in their role as pollinators for our plants. Around 1300 different types of plant are used by people around the world for food, medicine, drinks and fabric and 75% of those plants are pollinated by animals (including the butterfly). Not only do pollinators play a vital role in the production of our food and medicine, but because they pollinate around 90% of all plant species on the planet, they are responsible for encouraging vegetation growth, which in turn, provides shelter for animals and the basis for habitats and ecosystems.
Plants use pollen to create new seeds to make new plants and insects like butterflies carry pollen between plants. To encourage butterflies and insects to visit them, plants provide nectar, a sugary substance that gives them food and energy. Instead of eating, butterflies feed by drinking nectar through a long, specially designed tube called a proboscis that acts like a straw. Butterflies can also taste through their feet and just by standing on a leaf, they can tell whether or not their young are able to feed on a plant and as we all know, some caterpillars can be very hungry indeed.
Butterflies are also very quickly affected by changes in their environment, and changes in their numbers can suggest changes in their environment and the wider world.
Despite this worrying fall in butterfly and moth numbers all is not lost! It is possible to provide plants and areas for butterflies and other insects even if you have a limited amount of space. Even a window box can be helpful to an insect in need of nectar.
There are a number initiatives currently running that aim to help encourage pollinators back into gardens and to provide new habitats for butterflies. The Plant A Pots For Pollinators scheme being run by Butterfly Conservation is a great way to get involved. A pot with nectar rich flowers can act as a pit stop for a busy butterfly on the go and will help them move between areas and habitats. Even a window-box will be helpful if it is planted with the right plants.
The Royal Horticultural Society is also launching their Green Your Grey initiative and they are giving ideas and pointers on how to transform your patios or paved driveways into havens for wildlife, whilst still being able to park your cars. Even small changes can have effects on the local environment. Just a few pots can provide food and shelter for wildlife, prevent problems such as flooding and even reduce stress levels in humans. These initiatives might be good for butterflies and insects, but they’re good for us humans too; looking at plants and wildlife is known to improve our general wellbeing.
If you can’t provide a habitat for butterflies, you can still help by counting them. Learning about butterfly numbers in particular areas can help us to understand what is going on in the environment around us. The Big Butterfly Count is happening between 14th July and 6th August. All that is needed is 15 minutes, a bit of sun and somewhere to do a count and that could be the local park, a field, your school grounds, a window box or a pot for pollinators. 36,000 people took part in last year’s count and hopefully this year, even more will join in. Head to the Big Butterfly Count website, and you’ll be able to download an identification chart and find information on events happening near you.
There are a number of beautiful butterflies you might see over the summer months. With 59 species native to the UK there are a number of wonderful sights to be found.
Small Tortoiseshell
The Small Tortoiseshell is quite common. Its wings are reddish orange, with black spots and blue dots along the edge of the wing. It can be found near nettles, so be careful not to get stung if you’re looking for them!
Although it is common in the UK, the Small Tortoiseshell is the national butterfly of Denmark.
Red Admiral
A quite familiar sight around the UK. Although there is a resident population here in the UK, many of the butterflies have actually migrated from central Europe.
Small White
This small, understated butterfly is very pretty, but can be considered to be something of a pest from allotment keepers. Also known as the Cabbage White, it’s larvae feed on cabbages.
Adonis Blue
The Adonis Blue can be found in warm sheltered spots. Although the male Adonis Blue really is very blue, the females are a chocolate brown colour.
Peacock
The Peacock butterfly has “eyes” on its wings to distract and confuse predators. It is fairly common around the UK and can be found hanging around buddleias, particularly towards the end of the summer.