Butterflies
Butterflies may be pretty but they seem inconsequential ornaments when compared with majestic eagles or pragmatically functional worms or bees. Every century, butterflies have become extinct in Britain. Why should we care if we lose a few more? For a start, butterflies are an excellent indicator species: if butterflies are suffering, then so too are less well monitored insects that pollinate flowers, help matter decompose and protect other species by preying on pests. Plants, birds, rodents and big, greedy mammals– such as human beings – depend on them. Butterflies’ decline probably indicates a rapid decline in invertebrates in general.