Where are the grassland butterflies?
Grassland butterflies have seen a sharp drop in Europe. A recent study shows that butterfly populations have halved since 1990, as urban growth and intensive farming put pressure on the environment.
Broken wings
The grassland butterflies that once fluttered over European meadows are disappearing. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) destruction wild grassland areas has forced butterfly populations down by 50 percent.
Wildflower wilderness
Grasslands are rich in wildflowers, such as daisies or wild mustard. Here, you will find butterflies like the Orangetip, the Common blue and the Lulworth skipper. They each feed on different species of plants and flowers. Some prefer to rest on patches of bare ground while others seek the safety of leaves and petals to conceal themselves from predators.
The Common Blue
The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) was once found across Europe, North Africa and Asia. It can live in low fields near rivers or up high in mountain meadows. But even with its ability to adapt, it has been unable to survive as its habitat disappears - replaced by farms and residential areas.
Intensive farming
Intensive farming practices, including the use of powerful fertilizers and pesticides, have made many areas within the European Union too toxic for the grassland butterflies. The EU does include protection of the grasslands in its Common Agricultural Policy, but the guidelines are unclear and the incentives for farmers are too low.
Domino effect
The disappearance of the butterflies also affects birds and other creatures that need them for food. There is evidence that when butterfly populations disappear, a domino effect is triggered and animals further up the food chain also start to die off.
Colorful survivor
The Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines) is rare but has managed to survive the boom in agriculture that has killed of many of its cousins. They are named for the brightly colored wings seen on male specimens. The butterflies live off wild flower nectar and can also drink from open water.
Missing pollinators
Researchers studied 17 butterfly species over two decades, tracking their populations, breeding habits and food sources. They warn that butterflies are essential because they help pollinate flowers and serve as a food source for animals. Like the bees, their disappearance is cause for alarm.
Inching along
Butterflies often lay their eggs at the tip of grass stalks or flowers, or in protected high grasses. The caterpillars need a place to feed and later cocooned pupa need a place to develop during the cold winter months.
Lonely legacy
Two grassland butterfly species have actually seen a slight increase in population size in Europe. The Red-underwing Skipper or Spialia sertorius (pictured) and Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus). Bt they are not immune to harsh agricultural practices - in the early 1900s the Mazarine Blue disappeared from Britains fields completely.
A chance for survival
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) may eventually have the power to save these fluttering insects. CAP is currently being revised and if a wider definition of grasslands is included in its regulations, farmers will get direct payments for leaving wild grassland intact. A revised policy is currently being negotiated.