Optimism amongst UK moths and butterflies is at an all-time low, according to a poll by IPSOS Mori.
Lepidoptera across the country were asked for their views on living in Britain and the future for the economy and their personal circumstances. A record 73% said that quality of meadow had deteriorated in the last decade, and 69% expected that trend to continue.
With 25% of the butterfly population unemployed or under-employed – and worse figures for moths (29%) – these results are unsurprising, says entomologist, Professor Gavin Broad. He said: “With the economic crisis, we’ve seen increasing rates of depression and nectar abuse amongst the butterfly community. Rates of moth suicide by light-bulb or open flame have actually declined. We think that they just can’t be bothered anymore.”
He added: “We tend to assume that butterflies are there to gladden our hearts on a summer’s day, but in my experience, that attitude just pisses them off.”