Wild Butterfly and Moth Conservation: Supporting Lepidoptera Welfare

Butterfly and moth populations have declined significantly with implications for ecosystem health. Garden and landscape management can meaningfully support these important insects.

Key Facts

UK butterfly populations have declined by 46% since the 1970s
Moths have declined even more severely with a 41% reduction in abundance since 1968
Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are primary drivers of decline
Gardens can provide critical habitat particularly in urban areas where natural habitat is fragmented
Many butterfly and moth species have highly specific larval food plant requirements

Welfare Considerations

Butterfly and moth welfare is affected by both direct mortality from pesticide exposure and habitat loss that eliminates food plants and nectar sources. Individual insects that contact systemic pesticides including neonicotinoids experience neurotoxic effects causing erratic flight, impaired navigation, and death. Habitat loss eliminates the specific plant species that many species rely exclusively on for larval development. Garden planting of native species provides both nectar for adults and larval food plants for caterpillars. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use in gardens protects individual insects while providing safe habitat in an otherwise hostile landscape.

What You Can Do

Plant native wildflowers and food plants for butterfly and moth larvae in your garden
Completely eliminate pesticide use including systemic pesticides and slug pellets
Create areas of unmown grass as habitat for many species that breed in long grassland
Provide a wildlife pond as many species use standing water for drinking
Participate in Big Butterfly Count and other monitoring programs
Support conservation organizations working on butterfly and moth habitat restoration