There is said to have been a substantial decline in butterfly numbers in the UK in recent years, but to see the large numbers of these attractive tortoiseshell butterflies on a bridleway beside a farmers field near Sutton Bank recently, it becomes harder to believe in the decline.
There were huge numbers with many in the path in front of me as I walked along. It was a beautiful sight and added considerably to my enjoyment of the walk that I was doing.
Numbers are DEFINITELY falling of this species. It was believed a few years ago that one of the causes was a parasitic fly called Sturmia Bella. That's probably one reason but "tidy" is more likely the root. They need nettles for their caterpillars.
So pleased you've seen good numbers but compare that with 20 years ago...
Lovely shot
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I would stress that I'm well aware of the decline in butterfly numbers in the UK, and that this site is very unusual. It was also interesting that all the butterflies that I saw were of one type. It was very much like a flashback to earlier times when butterflies were far more common.
Ian
July 21st, 2021
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Glad you still see huge numbers of these beautiful butterflies
fav
So pleased you've seen good numbers but compare that with 20 years ago...
Lovely shot
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I would stress that I'm well aware of the decline in butterfly numbers in the UK, and that this site is very unusual. It was also interesting that all the butterflies that I saw were of one type. It was very much like a flashback to earlier times when butterflies were far more common.
Ian