Small tortortiseshell butterfly

[elicokiz]

Been reading that the Small tortoiseshell butterfly has been in decline for many years, which was not something i had personally noticed as there always seemed to be an abundance of them on site. I just literally had one of those sudden gestaltist moments and realised i have not seen a single one this year:thumbdown: has anyone else noticed such a terminal decline or is this section of Lincolnshire unusual (Biologically speaking of cause)

Dave

[janey]

Been reading that the Small tortoiseshell butterfly has been in decline for many years, which was not something i had personally noticed as there always seemed to be an abundance of them on site. I just literally had one of those sudden gestaltist moments and realised i have not seen a single one this year:thumbdown: has anyone else noticed such a terminal decline or is this section of Lincolnshire unusual (Biologically speaking of cause)

Dave

 

Now to mention it, I can't remember seeing many either this year.

 

I found this on UK Butterflies which may partly explain what you've noticed:

 

"The Small Tortoiseshell is one of our most-familiar butterflies, appearing in gardens throughout the British Isles. Unfortunately, this butterfly has suffered a worrying decline, especially in the south, over the last few years.

 

 

This butterfly has always fluctuated in numbers, but the cause of the most-recent decline is not yet known, although various theories have been proposed. One is the increasing presence of a particular parasitic fly, Sturmia bella, due to global warming - this species being common on the continent. The fly lays its eggs on leaves of the foodplant, close to where larvae are feeding. The tiny eggs are then eaten whole by the larvae and the grubs that emerge feed on the insides of their host, avoiding the vital organs. A fly grub eventually kills its host and emerges from either the fully-grown larva or pupa before itself pupating. Although the fly attacks related species, such as the Peacock and Red Admiral, it is believed that the lifecycle of the Small Tortoiseshell is better-synchronised with that of the fly and it is therefore more prone to parasitism."

[ctenicera]

Numbers seem OK here this year and last year. I noticed the fewest numbers when I lived further south a few years ago, but seem OK since I moved back to Lincs.

[APC]

I do a weekly transect and I have seen less than 5 since I began this one in 2008. One of them was last week. It's proper sparse down here. Last year I was sent something asking me to find their caterpillars on nettles and keep them until they pupate but didn't get around to it.

[blazer]

not many butterflies in general this year - as a kid small tortoiseshell were as common as cabbage whites.

[APC]

Tonnes of silver-washed frits down my ends. Finding 45 minutes a week when it's suitable weather and I'm not otherwise engaged has been pretty hard this year though.

 

Seem to have less large whites this year too.