The decline of the Small Tortoiseshell has been quantified at 77% in the last 10 years.
The primary reason for this decline is thought to be due to the expanding range of a tachinid parasitoid fly called Sturmia bella which was first recorded in Britain in 1999.
Locally they are in short supply too - so it was gratifying to see this one feeding in our garden this evening .
I am glad you have a Small Tortoiseshell Mike, I still have not seen one. (Previous years there have been plenty)
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