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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Patrick Barkham

UK butterfly count could show fall in numbers after 2022 drought

Small tortoiseshell butterfly
Numbers of small tortoiseshells and other common butterflies are significantly lower than normal so far this year. Photograph: Iain H Leach/Butterfly Conservation/PA

Last summer’s drought may have reduced butterfly populations this year because grasses and flowers that would usually feed caterpillars withered and died in the heatwave, scientists say.

People are being urged to help researchers understand the impact of extreme weather on British butterflies by counting the number and species they see this summer as part of the world’s largest insect survey.

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