These shocking results, from a survey conducted by Andrea Pinnington and Caz Buckingham to mark the launch of The Little Book of Butterflies, demonstrate how little most of us know about the 59 species of butterfly found in the UK.

The statistic follows last year’s Big Butterfly Count recording its lowest number of sightings in the 13 years since the project began.

The Butterfly Conservation’s alarming State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report also highlighted that 80% of butterfly species in the UK have declined since the 1970s.

Decreases in butterfly populations on this scale are a huge cause for concern as butterflies are an integral part of the UK ecosystem and their sharp decline is a clear warning signal of the wider biodiversity crisis.

The publishers of The Little Book of Butterflies, Fine Feather Press, hope their new nature book will encourage efforts to conserve Britain’s butterfly species, half of which are threatened or near threatened with extinction.

“Considering how much people enjoy seeing butterflies in gardens, parks and in the countryside, we were truly amazed at how few butterfly species people could name. Red admiral topped the list with cabbage white coming in second – although that isn’t even a species as it refers to both the large and small white butterfly,” said Andrea.

“We hope The Little Book of Butterflies will go some way to improving on that statistic and encourage people of all ages to find out more about these wonderful insects. Action to save them has never been more crucial.”

Produced in association with Butterfly Conservation, a renowned charity for the protection of butterflies and moths, the handy-sized nature guide is the perfect introduction to these stunning insects for children aged 7 to 12 years, and their families.

Featuring all the UK’s resident species, as well as the plants, animals and processes associated with them, the beautiful book will help all the family with the tricky business of identifying butterflies.

In a foreword by Martin Warren, Head of Development with Butterfly Conservation Europe and consultant on the book, he underlines the vital role butterflies play in the health of our environment and how action to save them is so crucial.

The Little Book of Butterflies is the latest book in a series of field guides for nature loving families, providing a window onto the world of nature and a perfect companion for anyone wanting to know more about butterflies.

Featuring all the species of butterflies found in the UK, it will help you identify your Common Blue from your Comma and your Peacock from your Painted Lady

Packed with information about butterflies, including the life cycle, what they eat, how to encourage butterflies into your garden, the habitats in which they live, migration and courtship you can wow your friends with your knowledge of butterflies.

Children in particular will delight in learning about butterflies that they can spot in their gardens, playgrounds, parks, and countryside. The book also reinforces key science and nature topics that are taught at school.

Half of the UK’s remaining butterfly species are threatened or near threatened with extinction. The Little Book of Butterflies will introduce you to the natural environment around you and encourage you to preserve the planet’s plants and wildlife.

A book full of stunning photography and illustrations that perfectly sums up the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

And thanks to our friends at Fine Feather Press you could win one of three copies in our fun, easy to enter competition. Sign up to the Ecohustler newsletter to find out about the competition.

It’s also available through Amazon, Hive, Waterstones, Bookshop.org or your local bookshop. Details of other nature books published by Fine Feather Press are available at www.finefeatherpress.com