Britain’s butterflies are going extinct, but you can save them with these half-term friendly hacks

BUTTERFLY numbers have plunged into the red – with half our 57 species threatened with extinction.

UK charity Butterfly Conservation asked people to report their sightings of the colourful insects during lockdown.

The drop in population figures is being blamed on the disappearance of fields and wild flowers.

We show you how you can help to turn back the decline and list some of the colourful ones you can spot.

What are they?

THERE are 57 butterfly species in the UK plus extra migrating visitors which arrive in summer.

Most native species spend the winter as an egg and appear as caterpillars before emerging as butterflies in the spring and summer.

First sightings can occur as early as late February and go on until late summer.

Peak months are March to September. Some species will hibernate over winter.

Where to find them

YOU don’t need any specialist kit – just go outside and see which ones you can spot.

A calm day, over 17C, with no wind provides ideal conditions, but don’t dismiss grey days as many butterflies are less active then, making them even easier to notice.

Different environments will attract a variety of species so you never know what you will see. Be patient and keep your eyes peeled.

GARDENING is a great way to bring in butterflies – even a windowbox can help.

How to encourage

Pick different flowers to attract a wider variety, but butterflies make a bee-line for buddleia, lavender and the herb oregano.

Butterfly Conservation’s Dr Kate Dent adds: “Put large stones in sunny borders so butterflies can bask on them and leave a patch of grass uncut.”

To join in the butterfly count see the website Butterfly-conservation.org/mysightings

Top types to spot

Red Admiral: A COMMON sight, this migrant species arrives over summer from North Africa and Europe, staying until autumn.

They love nectar-rich flowers and rotting fruit.

Brimstone: THE bright yellowy-green wings of the Brimstone are unmissable.

They are already around now but numbers will start to decrease next month.

Green-veined White: A SMALL butterfly with white wings. When they close them you will see green veins underneath.

Prefers damp areas such as ditches, riverbanks or ponds.

Comma: THE beautiful scalloped edges of the wings are unmistakable, with a white comma-shaped mark on the underside.

With orange-brown colouring, it is brilliantly designed to hide among dead leaves.

Holly Blue: THE first blue butterfly to emerge in spring, look for it darting on holly bushes, trees and shrubs in parks and gardens.

Recently it has been seen in larger numbers in parts of the Midlands and Northern England.

Orange-tip: A COMMON visitor to gardens and hedgerows. Males have stunning bright orange wing tips while females have black wing tips.

Can be spotted until late August.

Peacock: ONE of the most easily recognised and best-known butterflies.

It is large, a strong flyer and a familiar visitor to gardens in late summer