Untitled Lesson

Why Are Butterflies Important?

 56 U.K. Species … over three-

quarters are in decline

 Habitat loss…for example 97%

of wildflower meadows have
been lost since in the 1930’s

 Changing patterns of weather,

butterflies are very sensitive to
it

Reorder

Biggest butterfly order

• Peacock

• Small Blue

• Comma

• Painted Lady

• Large White

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

They have been around for at least 50 million years and probably
first evolved some 150 million years ago.

Butterflies are flagship species for conservation in general, and in
particular for invertebrates.

Butterflies and moths are part of Life on Earth and an important
component of its rich biodiversity.

Why Are Butterflies Important?

Intrinsic Value

Butterflies are beautiful. Many are iconic and popular.

Butterflies are used by advertisers and illustrators the world over as way of
indicating that something is environmentally friendly.

There are many references to butterflies and moths in literature, from the Bible
through Shakespeare to modern day literature, and from poetry to musical lyrics.

Why Are Butterflies Important?

Aesthetic Value

Butterflies are beautiful. Many are iconic and popular.

Butterflies are used by advertisers and illustrators the world over as way of
indicating that something is environmentally friendly.

There are many references to butterflies and moths in literature, from the Bible
through Shakespeare to modern day literature, and from poetry to musical lyrics.

Why Are Butterflies Important?

Aesthetic Value

Open Ended

Why are Butterflies important?

Butterflies and moths have fascinating life-cycles that are used in many countries to
teach children about the natural world. The transformation from egg to caterpillar
to chrysalis is one of the wonders of nature.

Other educational aspects include the intricate wing patterns and iridescence, and
as examples of insect migration.

Why Are Butterflies Important?

Educational value

Butterflies and moths are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy
ecosystems.

Butterflies have been widely used by ecologists as model organisms to study the
impact of habitat loss and fragmentation, and climate change.

Areas rich in butterflies and moths are rich in other invertebrates. These collectively
provide a wide range of environmental benefits, including pollination and natural
pest control.

Why Are Butterflies Important?

Ecosystem value

Hotspot

Where is the butterfly from?

Over 10,000 people record butterflies and moths in the UK alone, involving getting
outside and walking considerable distances. Over 850 sites are monitored each
week.

Thousands of people travel abroad each year looking for butterflies and moths. Eco-
tours bring valuable income to many European countries and developing countries
around the world.

Every butterfly and moth has developed its own suite of chemicals to deter
predators and parasites, find a mate, and overcome the chemical defences of its
host plant. Each of these chemicals has a potential value and could be exploited
economically.

Why Are Butterflies Important?

Health & Economic value

To build up knowledge

Indicator species of biodiversity

Butterfly numbers from year to year vary – they are highly variable
depending on weather and management. Building up a picture of
this year to year is useful for our own management and wider
study

Why Monitor?

Transects