Neonicotinoid pesticides linked to butterfly declines in the UK

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-12/uos-np120215.php

Public Release: 2-Dec-2015
Neonicotinoid pesticides linked to butterfly declines in the UK
University of Stirling

The use of neonicotinoid pesticides may be contributing to the decline of butterflies in the UK, a new study by the Universities of Stirling and Sussex in partnership with Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has revealed.

Previous studies have demonstrated that these chemicals appear to be harming bees, birds and other wildlife.

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The chemicals remain in the environment and can be absorbed by the wildflowers growing in field margins, many of which provide a nectar source for butterflies and food-plants for their caterpillars.

Researchers found population trends of 15 species showed declines associated with neonicotinoid use, including Small Tortoiseshell, Small Skipper and Wall species.

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