By Smitha Peter

A recent study by Natural England on threats to biodiversity revealed that the country is losing more than two animals and plants a year. A region-wise list of lost species of England published in the Guardian, based on the study; shows an interesting fact- six out of eight regions listed have lost a butterfly/moth species. This includes Marsh fritillary, Scotch argus and Chalkhill blue.

The report warns that almost one third of the butterfly species across England is in decline. According to the European red list report for the European commission, intensive farming, climate change, forest fires and expansion of tourism are the major threats for the habitat.

“Many of the grass varieties cultivated for animal feeding are not butterfly friendly. The farming techniques based on monoculture with little plant diversity worsen the situation,” says Malcolm Bridge of Butterfly Conservation, one of the prominent insect conservation societies in Europe. Loss of grass land habitat has severely effected species like Marsh fritillary.

“It is difficult to reintroduce a butterfly species once its habitat is destroyed in a particular region. The butterfly colonies are usually located far apart. So even if the habitat is recreated, butterflies may not be able to travel back,” he added. Reintroduction of woodland butterflies like Pearl- bordered fritillary often faced this problem.

Butterflies play an important role as pollinators in the ecosystem. They are often regarded as an indicator of a healthy environment. The population movement of butterflies are often analysed to get information about the changes in climatic conditions.

Here is some interesting information about the butterflies wiped out from different parts of England.

Yorkshire and Humberside/ East Anglia- Marsh fritillary butterfly

It is a charming butterfly with orange, brown and yellow chequered markings on wings. They live in colonies and occupy different types of habitat including hillsides, moor land, and meadows. The mating ritual of the Marsh fritillary is interesting. After mating, the male seals the genital opening of the female with a substance to prevent another male mating with her. They might be the first species discovered the use of ‘chastity belt’.

East midlands- Wood white butterfly

The Wood White is a delicate butterfly with a very slow flight. The males have a black spot at the tip of the forewings which is greatly reduced in the female. This butterfly lives in discrete colonies and can be found in wood lands and meadows.

West midlands- Chalkhill blue butterfly

Chalkhill blue. Image credit: www.entomart.be

The males are pale sky blue in colour, while females are chocolate brown. They live in groups and can found roosting communally in grass stems at hillsides. As the name suggest, they inhabit areas with chalk or lime rich soil. Food includes nectar from a variety of sources and minerals gathered from soil and animal droppings.

North West-Scarce crimson and gold moth

They are small in size with pink, yellow and grey shades in wings. The preferred habitat is costal dunes with plenty of wild thyme, the larval food plant. They are very active during warm weather, especially in June and August.

North East-Scotch argus butterfly

Scotch argus is a dark brown butterfly with a row of black eye spot on each wing. They are found in tall grass lands and are fond of sunshine. During sunny days males fly restlessly in search of a mate, while females spend their time basking. Their main food plant is blue moor grass.

Reference: http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php