{"id":15987,"date":"2022-05-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=15987"},"modified":"2022-05-11T13:57:46","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T11:57:46","slug":"dig-for-butterflies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/2022\/05\/04\/dig-for-butterflies\/","title":{"rendered":"Dig for butterflies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Small tortoiseshells and a large peacock butterfly sup from a buddleia <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Dig for butterflies<\/h2>\n\n

Britain\u2019s butterflies are struggling. It\u2019s more important than ever to do what we can to help.<\/p>\n\n

Words by <\/em>KATE BRADBURY<\/p>\n\n

\"\"
Painted lady butterflies atop the sun-loving and late-flowering Echinacea purpurea<\/em> or coneflower<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

B<\/em>UTTERFLIES AND FLOWERS GO TOGETHER like jam and cream. Each is wonderful in its own right, but together they make something special. Watching butterflies flit around my mini meadow and tumble over the plants in my border makes my heart leap, and is one of the many rewards of gardening for wildlife. Seeing these pretty insects in our gardens is good for the soul \u2013 butterflies make us happy!<\/p>\n\n

Sadly, these often-colourful pollinators are in serious decline. Results from the 2021 UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS), led by Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, show that in terms of abundance, 2021 was a below-average year for UK butterflies, including many of our common and widespread species. The<\/span> green-veined white, for instance, had its fourth worst year on record and the large skipper its fifth. The large white and small skipper both had difficult years, and the ringlet its lowest numbers since 2012.<\/p>\n\n

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The rare silver-studded blue has been increasing in number <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Shorter animal surveys are also offering worrying snapshots In 2021, Butterfly Conservation\u2019s Big Butterfly Count saw the overall number of butterflies recorded at its lowest level since the counts began in 2010, despite record numbers of people taking part (more than 150,000).<\/span><\/p>\n\n

On average, participants clocked up just nine individual butterflies or moths per 15-minute count over the three-week survey, down from 11 in 2020. The peacock registered its lowest numbers since 2012; the small tortoiseshell had its third-worst summer since 2010.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cSome of the UK\u2019s butterflies have more than one generation per year, meaning we would see adults in spring and summer. The majority of these double-brooded species experienced their worst year since the start of the Big Butterfly Count in 2010,\u201d says senior surveys officer Zo\u00eb Randle. \u201cChanges in the weather are likely to be the cause of this. March 2021 was warmer than average, which would have stimulated butterfly activity. May 2021 was very wet, however, which will have hampered feeding and breeding. These combined weather effects are likely to have reduced the spring generation, which has knock-on effects for the summer generation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Thankfully, there\u2019s good news emerging among the bad. The UKBMS data also shows that some threatened species actually coped well in 2021. The brown hairstreak and silver-studded blue both had their best years since 1996, for instance, while the heath fritillary has increased by 112 per cent at monitored sites in the past decade. The Glanville fritillary, dingy skipper and chalk hill blue also had good years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\u201cWhen the general picture is of longterm decline, we\u2019re delighted to see positive signs for some species,\u201d says Richard Fox, Butterfly Conservation\u2019s associate director of recording and monitoring. \u201cThese successes demonstrate what can be achieved through conservation efforts, and reinforces the importance of managing habitat to support butterflies. It is important, though, to remember that this data relates to abundance, not distribution. It\u2019s good news, but it\u2019s only one side of the story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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A green-veined white \u2013 on a bluebell here \u2013 likes to dwell in the damp areas of gardens <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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Plant up pots with salvia (left) and mint (right) for nectar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

We know only of the reasons why butterfly numbers are in decline. In the wider countryside, it\u2019s thought that numbers are plummeting due to habitats being lost to the intensification of agriculture, changes in woodland management and so-called \u2018urban creep\u2019, where towns and cities expand into green spaces. But the problems don\u2019t end there.<\/p>\n\n

Back gardens are increasingly seen as \u2018outdoor rooms\u2019, with paving and decking replacing vegetation, and artificial lawns favoured over grass, while front gardens are surrendered to car parking. None of this is good for butterflies, which rely on plants and flowers \u2013 some of which need to be left intact for several months \u2013 to complete their life-cycles successfully.<\/p>\n\n

Pesticide use is also a big problem, as is nitrogen run-off from agricultural fertilisers. This changes the chemical make-up of plants, causing them to grow bigger and, as a result, alters the microclimate that they provide to butterflies, by creating more shade, for instance. \u201cMore research is needed here,\u201d says Fox, \u201cbut something\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n

And all that is before we\u2019ve even spoken about the increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. \u201cThat\u2019s another thing,\u201d says Fox. \u201cCO2 makes plants grow bigger, so again, research is needed to see if this could have an effect on microclimates and butterfly numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

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Tortoiseshell caterpillars rely on nettles<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

While CO2<\/sub> may pose a threat to some butterflies, climate change is, conversely, offering opportunities for others. As temperatures rise, species such as the peacock, comma and speckled wood, previously found mainly in southern Britain, are spreading into northern England and Scotland. Yet concerns remain that extreme weather events \u2013 droughts, floods and storms \u2013 will put further pressure on populations and their delicate life-cycles, many of which rely on the perfect combination of British weather: sunshine and showers.<\/p>\n\n

So what can we do to help our butterflies and moths? Well, plenty. We have 22 million gardens in the UK and many more balconies, roof gardens, allotments and windowsills besides. By clothing these spaces with the right plants, we can give them a fighting chance. Spring is the ideal time to start planting and the more plants we can grow for butterflies, the better their odds this year and into the future.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

The first thing to do is provide a source of nectar Most species rely on this sugary fluid to give them the energy they need to fly and find a mate. By having flowers in bloom consistently from March to November, you can provide a nectar bar for most of the year. It might be primroses, bluebells and forget-me-nots in spring; alliums, lavender and scabious in summer; then late-flowering <\/span>Verbena bonariensis, <\/em>sedums and rudbeckias in autumn (see planting guide below). It\u2019s also important to remember that some species, such as the speckled wood, drink honeydew, a sweet substance secreted by aphids. So simply by being kinder to aphids and not eradicating them from your garden, you can help butterflies to survive. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

As well as providing nectar, it\u2019s also vital to consider butterfly caterpillars. To reproduce, butterflies lay eggs and will only do so on specific foodplants. By nurturing more of these in our gardens and allotments, we can offer breeding opportunities that otherwise wouldn\u2019t exist.<\/span> Choose cuckooflower and garlic mustard for caterpillars of the orange-tip butterfly, hops for the comma, and holly and ivy for the holly blue. A large patch of nettles in sunshine is what\u2019s needed for caterpillars of the peacock, red admiral and small tortoiseshell, while long grassy areas provide breeding opportunities for the speckled wood, gatekeeper, ringlet and meadow brown (see foodplant guide below).<\/p>\n\n

Don\u2019t forget that caterpillars support other wildlife, such as birds, hedgehogs and toads, adding to the overall wildlife value of your garden.<\/p>\n\n

Butterflies also need places to shelter and hibernate Five UK species (brimstone, comma, peacock, small tortoiseshell and red admiral) overwinter as adults, and retreat among log piles and vegetation for the winter, while the orange-tip overwinters as a chrysalis, usually on the old stems of its caterpillar foodplant.<\/span> The speckled wood may overwinter as a caterpillar or chrysalis, usually in thickets of grass or beneath leaf litter. This makes them vulnerable to tidy gardeners, who may cut back ivy, trim long grass or clear away \u2018spent plants\u2019, not realising that they\u2019re still being used by wildlife. Leave plants intact over winter and clear them in spring instead, but always check for chrysalises just in case.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Butterfly-friendly gardens and outdoor spaces not only provide breeding and feeding opportunities, but they look nicer too. Who doesn\u2019t love a garden packed with colourful, scented blooms such as lavender and viper\u2019s bugloss? Who wants to look at a bare fence when you can swathe it with ivy or hops and provide homes for butterflies in the process? Why opt for a cropped, lifeless lawn when you can let patches grow long and shelter caterpillars? Garden ponds are wonderful things, but take them a step further and plant the edges with primroses, cowslips and cuckooflowers to help orange-tips thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Adult orangetips appear in early spring <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

If you don\u2019t have a garden, you can still contribute to the cause with pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. You may not host breeding butterflies, but you\u2019ll establish a refuelling post for any individuals searching for a mate or somewhere else to lay their eggs. Herbs such as lavender, oregano, chives and hyssop are perfect for pots as they\u2019re drought-tolerant, so won\u2019t need watering as often as thirstier plants. There\u2019s also a range of butterfly-friendly blooms for hanging baskets and windowboxes, including bird\u2019sfoot trefoil, nasturtiums and the wonderfully named poached egg plant.<\/p>\n\n

In my garden and allotment, butterfly numbers could be higher I live in an urban area and have seen significant declines in peacocks and small tortoiseshells over the past five years, but that doesn\u2019t stop me trying to help them. As well as an almost year-round supply of nectar and aphid honeydew, I have a large patch of nettles in full sun, lots of long grass and other caterpillar food plants such as hops, holly, ivy and buckthorn.<\/span> Around my pond, I\u2019ve grown cuckooflower for the orange-tips. I\u2019ve yet to spot one in my garden, but I refuse to give up. I leave plants uncut in autumn, lest any chrysalises remain on the stems (I often find red admiral caterpillars on nettles as late as December), and I don\u2019t use any bug sprays, fungicides or artificial plant foods, to maintain the most natural habitat possible.<\/p>\n\n

No matter how small they might be, our gardens and outside spaces can provide food and shelter for butterflies. Balconies and windowsills can serve as stepping stones while larger spaces can offer more complete habitats, including caterpillar foodplants, basking spots, overwintering sites and nectar.<\/p>\n\n

Whatever your space, clothe it in plants and let your grass grow long. These may seem like small steps, but they could be a lifeline to our precious butterflies, which really, really, <\/em>need our help.<\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n
COUNT FOR BUTTERFLIES<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Help surveying efforts by joining this year\u2019s Big Butterfly Count, which takes place from 15th July to 7th August. You can also log ongoing sightings at <\/span>gardenbutterflysurvey.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

Other ways to help butterflies<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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The late-flying red admiral is often seen on rotting fruit <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Leave windfall fruit in autumn <\/strong>
Apples and pears left on the ground provide an important sweet treat for butterflies in autumn, as they look for alternatives to nectar, which is in short supply.<\/p>\n\n

Create basking spots <\/strong>
Placing large stones in a sunny border or making a rock garden can provide the perfect environment for butterflies to bask and stay warm.<\/p>\n\n

Create muddy spots for \u2018puddling\u2019<\/strong>
Some butterflies, particularly blues, feed on the salts and minerals in mud. The mud around your pond or in well-watered spots in the garden are perfect for them.<\/p>\n\n

\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Kate is an award-winning author and journalist specialising in wildlife gardening. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

She edits the wildlife pages of <\/span>BBC Gardeners\u2019 World <\/em>magazine and her latest book is How to Create a Wildlife Pond <\/em>(DK, \u00a314.99)<\/p>\n\n

Seasonal plants to provide <\/strong>
NECTAR FOR BUTTERFLIES<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

SPRING<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Cuckooflower<\/strong>
Cardamine pratensis<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Flowering from April to May, this is a pretty, moisture-loving perennial with lilac blooms. It is also a caterpillar foodplant.
Attracts: orange-tip and greenveined white<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

English bluebell<\/strong>
Hyacinthoides non-scripta<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Flowering from April to May, English bluebell has drooped stems of lilac flowers and a delicate fragrance.<\/span>
Attracts: brimstone and orange-tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Primrose<\/strong>
Primula vulgaris<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

An early source of nectar, flowering from March. It\u2019s also a larval foodplant of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly.
Attracts: brimstone, small tortoiseshell and peacock<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Dandelion <\/strong>
Taraxacum officinale<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Often regarded as a weed, but as it flowers from March to autumn it is a good early source of nectar when little else is in flower.
Attracts: brimstone, orange-tip and small tortoiseshell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

SUMMER<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Buddleia<\/strong>
Buddleja davidii<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Flowers from mid to late summer. If you cut it back hard in May, it will bloom later, providing nectar when other plants have finished.<\/span>
Attracts: small tortoiseshell, peacock, painted lady and more!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Marjoram<\/strong>
Origanum majorana<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Also known as oregano, its leaves are edible, but if you avoid cutting it, it will flower and become a magnet for butterflies.
Attracts: gatekeeper, large skipper and small tortoiseshell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Lavender<\/strong>
Lavandula spp.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Use to edge beds or paths, and in pots. The Lavandula x intermedia <\/em>hybrids grow larger and will provide more nectar.
Attracts: small white, large white, small tortoiseshell and red<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Greater knapweed<\/strong>
Centaurea scabiosa<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

A key species of perennial meadows, greater knapweed flowers from midsummer. Some moths use it as a larval foodplant.
Attracts: common blue, marbled white and small tortoiseshell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

AUTUMN<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Purple top <\/strong>
Verbena bonariensis<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Flowers from late summer to mid-autumn. Grow at the back of a sunny border or the smaller variety \u2018Lollipop\u2019 can be potted.
Attracts: small tortoiseshell, painted lady and red admiral<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Coneflower<\/strong>
Echinacea purpurea<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

This North American native thrives in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny spot. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Attracts: small tortoiseshell, painted lady and red admiral<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Ice plant <\/strong>
Hylotelephium spectabile<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Flowering from August to October, this succulent is drought-tolerant. Cut back in May (\u2018Chelsea Chop\u2019) to encourage later blooming.<\/span>
Attracts: small tortoiseshell, painted lady and speckled wood<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n

Perennial wallflower <\/strong>
Erysimum spp.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

In southern regions, perennial wallflower can bloom throughout the year. Flowers are sterile, so produce only nectar, not pollen.
Attracts: large white, small white, small tortoiseshell, large skipper<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Top species to provide <\/strong>
FOODPLANTS FOR CATEPILLARS<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

Nettle<\/strong>
Urtica spp.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Grow in as large a clump as you have space for, in full sun, and look out for large \u2018tents\u2019 of caterpillars, or a single larva in a rolled-up leaf.
Attracts: small tortoiseshell, red admiral, peacock, painted lady and comma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Buckthorn<\/strong>
Frangula alnus <\/em>and Rhamnus cathartica <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Both alder and purging buckthorns are foodplants for the brimstone. Plant in sunshine, as a specimen shrub or as part of a mixed native hedge. Avoid any pruning until autumn.
Attracts: brimstone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Cuckooflower<\/strong>
Cardamine pratensis<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

In addition to providing nectar, this species is also a caterpillar foodplant. Orange-tips overwinter as pupae on the old stems and emerge the following spring.
Attracts: orange-tip and green-veined white<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Long grasses <\/strong>
bents (Agrostis), <\/em>couch (Elytrigia), <\/em>fescues (Festuca) <\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Avoid cutting until late summer to benefit grass-feeding species. If you can leave some areas completely uncut, you will benefit the overwintering species too.<\/span>
Attracts: gatekeeper, meadow brown and speckled wood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Holly<\/strong>
Ilex spp.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

The high-flying holly blue butterfly feeds on the flower buds, berries and terminal leaves of holly in spring, and ivy in summer. Grow as a shrub, small tree or as part of a hedge. They are not fussy plants and need minimal pruning.
Attracts: holly blue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Hop <\/strong>
Humulus lupulus<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Grow this perennial climber against a fence or wall, or up a trellis, and cut back in autumn. Comma used to be a pest of hops but switched to nettles when the hop industry declined. It\u2019s still loved as a larval foodplant though.<\/span>
Attracts: comma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Nasturtium<\/strong>
Tropaeolum spp.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Cabbage whites typically feed on brassicas and are the bane of veg growers\u2019 lives. But they also use nasturtium \u2013 plant it next to brassicas so you can move caterpillars from them to this sacrificial plant.
Attracts: large and small whites<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Bird\u2019s-foot trefoil<\/strong>
Lotus corniculatus<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

If you have a meadow, you could try attracting the common blue butterfly, which is found in grassland habitats. Bird\u2019s-foot trefoil is its main foodplant \u2013 grow among the long grass or at the front of a border.
Attracts: common blue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Garlic mustard <\/strong>
Alliaria petiolata<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Grows well in shady spots and its leaves have a faint whiff of garlic. Remember that orange-tips overwinter as pupae on the old stems, so avoid cutting back spent plants.
Attracts: orange-tip and green-veined white<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Ivy <\/strong>
Hedera helix<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Plant in sun or shade, against a fence or wall. Ivy has a reputation for destroying buildings but only those with existing holes, which the plant\u2019s roots exploit. Holly blue lays eggs singly at the base of the flower buds in summer.
Attracts: holly blue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Ragwort <\/strong>
Senecio jacobaea<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Don\u2019t forget moth caterpillars \u2013 the cinnabar is a striking, red-and-black day-flying species. Ragwort can be harmful to livestock, such as horses and cattle, but doesn\u2019t usually create issues in gardens. Stems can reach up to 1.5m high.<\/span>
Attracts: cinnabar moth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Lady\u2019s bedstraw <\/strong>
Galium verum<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Foodplant for another day-flying species (and a superb one) \u2013 the hummingbird hawkmoth, which also feeds on hedge bedstraw and wild madder. Lady\u2019s bedstraw erupts with richly scented flowers in July and August.
Attracts: hummingbird hawkmoth<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Britain\u2019s butterflies are struggling. It\u2019s more important than ever to do what we can to help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":15978,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","purple_page_number":"58","purple_custom_meta_purple_page_number":"58","purple_seq_number":"1","purple_custom_meta_purple_seq_number":"1","purple_source_article":"article_58-1.xml","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_article":"article_58-1.xml","purple_source_issue":"May-2022","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_issue":"May-2022","purple_external_id":"May-2022-58-1","purple_custom_meta_purple_external_id":"May-2022-58-1","purple_issue_code":"|0000087231||","purple_custom_meta_purple_issue_code":"|0000087231||","purple_android_product":"com.im.wildlife.491","purple_custom_meta_purple_android_product":"com.im.wildlife.491","purple_ios_product":"com.im.wildlife.491","purple_custom_meta_purple_ios_product":"com.im.wildlife.491","purple_web_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_web_product":"","purple_publication_id":"58d61955-0ac4-406c-83f1-ab6f21d86b70","purple_migrated":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"2022-05-06T07:46:26Z","apple_news_article-theme":"","apple_news_api_id":"95005b2f-f245-4de4-8965-f9d62ed26c97","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2022-05-11T11:58:02Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AlQBbL_JFTeSJZfnWLtJslw","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":true,"apple_news_is_preview":true,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_article_theme":"","apple_news_sections":"[]"},"categories":[27],"tags":[14],"apple_news_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"16","apple_news_title":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb.jpg",2048,1355,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb-300x198.jpg",300,198,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb-768x508.jpg",768,508,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb-1024x678.jpg",800,530,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb-1536x1016.jpg",1536,1016,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/04\/50350a26-e160-45e7-a22f-2d8ab16a9dcb.jpg",2048,1355,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Britain\u2019s butterflies are struggling. It\u2019s more important than ever to do what we can to help.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15987"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15987"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16597,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15987\/revisions\/16597"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}