The plight of the butterfly

Some of our most beautiful butterflies are in danger of becoming extinct. Find out why - and how to help

Last summer's rain didn't just put a dampener on our days out. The unrelenting wet weather also prevented British butterflies from breeding, and several species of these symbols of summer are now at risk of extinction.

Sunny, summer days and butterflies go together, but butterflies just can't fly in heavy rain. And if they can't fly, they can't mate and lay eggs. A  butterfly's life cycle lasts about a year, from egg to butterfly, but their mating season lasts  only a week or so.

According to a report from the charity Butterfly Conservation, seven out of 10 of the UK's 54 resident native species are in decline. These include the Chalkhill Blue (above right), Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue and Lulworth Skipper.

Speaking at the launch of a new butterfly centre, Butterfly World, to fund research into conservation, wildlife broadcaster Sir David Attenborough said: 'More than three quarters of British butterfly species have declined in the last 20 years, some of them very rapidly. That is worrying, not least because these declines indicate an underlying deterioration of the environment as a whole. For the sake of future generations we must take action now.' Butterfly World is due to open in spring 2011.
 

For the sake of future generations we must take action nowButterfly Conservation has launched a Stop Extinction Appeal, supported by the charity's president, Sir David Attenborough, who says: 'Butterflies face mounting threats and need our help. Some face possible extinction. Money from Butterfly Conservation’s Stop Extinction appeal will restore countryside for butterflies and other wildlife. I urge you to support the Stop Extinction appeal and help us ensure their future.'

Click here for details of Butterfly Conservation's Stop Extinction Appeal

Click here for more about Britain's beautiful butterflies 

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