Lack of butterflies?

[Dave McCormick]

Where I live, there is usually found throughtout the year:

Small Tortoiseshell
Speckled Wood
Common Blue
Orange Tip
Green Veined White
Large and Small Whites
Holly Blue
Meadow Brown
Peacock
Red Admiral
Painted Lady
Clouded Yellow (on good years only)
Small Coppers

but at moment all I am seeing are GV Whites and the odd small tortoiseshell and a few Holly Blues at times. Whats happened to the rest I have been seeing? Not many Speckled Wood, 1-2 Small Tortoiseshells, no peacocks, no Read admirals and no common blues yet and no small coppers. None of the places here that I find them in has changed at all, they should still be there. Going out today to see what else I can find, and see whats up in these locations. If anyone has thoughs to why there are so few butterflies about, or if anyone else has seen this, would help. I'll post pics of the sights later.

[hairstreak]

I've also noticed a lot of green vained whites this year. Have you ever been to Belshaw's quarry, just outside Lisburn? I was there last weekend and saw lots of orange tips and common blues. I saw a red admiral today in comber.

[hairstreak]

Here are some photos of the common blue's I saw last week.

[Dave McCormick]

I'll go check for common blues around when I can. Hopefully shall see more soon. Thanks.

[Susie]

Numbers of butterflies this year seem to be terribly down.