Sir David Attenborough warns of threat to UK Butterflies after record wet weather

Butterfly Conservation President Sir David Attenborough Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Butterfly populations could suffer population crashes as a result of the record-breaking wet weather this spring and summer, Sir David Attenborough warned today.

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is launching its annual survey of the insects amid concerns that the wettest April to June on record will have hit their breeding season.

Prolonged cold, wet weather delays the butterflies emerging, reduces their life-span and hampers mating and egg-laying, Butterfly Conservation said.

This year's wet weather could lead to a repeat of 2007, when the UK was hit by widespread flooding following torrential rain, causing butterfly numbers to plummet.

Sir David Attenborough with a south east Asian Great Mormon Butterfly

The charity is urging the public to take part in the Big Butterfly Count to help assess the impact the rainy weather has had on butterflies.

To take part in the survey or for more information, people can visit the website: www.bigbutterflycount.org/about