THE BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT

All insects are in decline including butterflies, but all is not lost.  If we find out which ones are living where we can help improve things.  So this survey by non-experts all over the country is really important. 

You can join in the Big Butterfly Count anytime from now until Sunday 9th August.  They make it as easy as easy by supplying an identification chart.  All you have to do is spend 15 minutes watching for butterflies in your garden or anywhere else and then recording what butterflies you see.

Here is the link

the big butterfly count

https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

And here is one to get you started:

Photo: Alan Watts

The brown and orange Comma butterfly looks rather raggedy.  When it lands and folds it wings over its back you can just make out the tiny white comma or C-mark on a brown background, which gave it its name.  

Photo: urban butterfly garden

Comma caterpillars feed on nettles or hops.