EXPERTS have raised the alarm over low butterfly numbers in the UK after a grim annual tally.

Conservationists fear we are facing an “extinction event unprecedented in our lifetime” unless urgent action is taken to save these much-loved animals. insect.

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The Butterfly Conservation Society’s 2024 Great Butterfly Count recorded the lowest number of butterflies seen per year in its 14-year history.

And to blame are neonicotinoid pesticides that kill butterflies, as well as the loss of fields.

In total, more than 935,000 diurnal butterflies and moths were recorded across the UK between 12 July and 4 August, almost 600,000 fewer than in 2023.

More than 85,000 citizen scientists participated in the massive computational effort.

But this year we received 9,000 reports indicating no butterfly sightings – the highest number in the history of the citizen science program.

Common blue, holly blue, white-veined green, small white, small tortoiseshell, painted lady and Scottish argus had their worst summer numbers since the initiative began in 2010.

“The previous lowest average number of butterflies per count was nine in 2022; this latest figure is 22% lower, which is very worrying,” said Dr Richard Fox, scientific director of Butterfly Conservation.

“Not only that, a third of the species recorded in the Great Butterfly Count had their worst year on record, and no species had their best year.

“The results are consistent with broader evidence that the summer of 2024 was particularly bad for butterflies.

“Butterflies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble, we know the wider environment is in trouble. Nature is sounding the alarm.”

Everyone can see the dog in the park, but you have 20-20 vision if you can find 8 butterflies in less than 7 seconds.

“We must act now if we are to reverse this rapid decline and protect this species for future generations.”

The charity has written an open letter to Environment Minister Steve Reed, calling on the Government to declare a “natural emergency” and ban neonicotinoid pesticides without exception.

Pesticides are notorious for their harmful effects on bees.

It is banned in the UK, with emergency exemptions granted in some circumstances, but Butterfly Conservation also highlights the impact it has on butterflies.

Dr Fox added: “When used on agricultural land, these chemicals spread to wild plants growing on the edges of fields, causing adult butterflies and moths to drink contaminated nectar and caterpillars to feed on contaminated plants.

“Many European countries have already banned these chemicals; it is time for the UK to follow suit and put nature first.

“If we don’t act now to address the long-term causes of butterfly population decline, we will face an extinction event unprecedented in our lifetime.”

How to help butterflies

By Jamie HarrisAssistant Editor Technology and Science

One way to help butterflies is to leave fallen fruit from trees in your garden.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, species such as the Red Admiral and Painted Lady feed on the fruit juices of overripe pears, plums and apples that fall in late summer.

Planting plants that feed butterfly larvae can also be very helpful.

These include (but are not limited to) things like cabbage, currants, elm, garlic, holly and ivy.