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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Patrick Barkham

‘Alarming’ bug splat decline on UK cars raises fears for flying insect numbers

United Kingdom Buglife Kent Wildlife Trust
Lawrence Ball of Kent Wildlife Trust using the Bugs Matter app.
Lawrence Ball of Kent Wildlife Trust using the Bugs Matter app. Photograph: Kent Wildlife Trust

The long-term decline in the number of flying insects being splattered on cars after a journey is well recognised by older drivers. But the latest survey has revealed that the number of insects found on vehicle number plates has plummeted by 63% since 2021.

An analysis of records from more than 25,000 journeys across Britain since 2021 reveals an alarming apparent drop in flying insect abundance, although the rate of decrease slowed in 2024.

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