Where Are All The Butterfiles?

[chaptazbru2]

There are two buddleia bushes in full bloom in my neighbourhood and not once since they bloomed have I seen any butterflies on them, and only one bee ! When I walk my dog in the local park, I hardly see any either and in fact in one hour today, I saw only one. I've noticed that every summer they are becoming more and more scarce and it seems even worse this year. I can't believe there are no butterflies on the flowering buddleias. Anyone else noticed the lack of butterflies ?

[pusskin]

We've seen very few butterflies here in Essex, and also, not seen one Bee in our garden all through this year so far.

[gness]

Pusskin.......apart from some Mason bees.....now gone.....I have seen one bumble bee.....just one.
The butterflies I can count on one hand despite planting for wildlife.....one ladybird and a lethargic wasp.

I'm finding this a really strange year for bugs and beasties in my garden...x

[Prudie]

I just think everything is really late this year plus my perception is July's weather has been pretty awful, much colder than average. My buddleia only has 2 blooms just out and lots waiting to come. I've seen a lot of bees this year though.

[pusskin]

We think its really strange too Gness.

[Canary42]

It's the result of creeping GMF.

Agribusiness rules, nature suffers.

[pastafreak]

I don't have a garden,so I can only go by what I see in the local park that's planted with lots of roses and lavender. Have only seen a few butterflies,but bees seem a bit more plentiful. But still far less than last year,which was a hot,dry summer. Also,we had loads of ladybirds last year...I've not seen one so far.

[gness]

It is, Puss.....In the past we've had rotten weather years but this one seems odd on many counts....

Canary......do you think that could be the cause...or one of them? I think there has been a bit of a back track on the use of some pesticides too......need to look at that more....x

[pusskin]

We have plants and shrubs to attract different species, but they are all hiding away. What is going on with nature?
Popping out now, will catch up on this post later! Have a good day all.

[chaptazbru2]

After reading all these posts, it seems from the majority that butterflies are indeed on the decline and this saddens me.