Annual survey of numberplates from more than 25,000 journeys reveals 63% fall in squashed bugs since 2021

The long-term decline in the number of flying insects being splattered on cars after a journey is well recognised by older drivers. But the latest survey has revealed that the number of insects found on vehicle number plates has plummeted by 63% since 2021.

An analysis of records from more than 25,000 journeys across Britain since 2021 reveals an alarming apparent drop in flying insect abundance, although the rate of decrease slowed in 2024.

Bug splats on the numberplates of citizen scientists using the Bugs Matter app for the Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife survey declined 8% from 2023 to 2024, after sharper drops of 44% in 2023 and 28% in 2022.

    • NocturnalEngineer@lemmy.worldEnglish
      20·
      2 months ago

      Apparently the Kent Wildlife Trust found the opposite to be true:

      The research also found that modern cars, with a more aerodynamic body shape, killed more insects than boxier vintage cars.

      • fartsparkles@lemmy.worldEnglish
        61·
        2 months ago

        Don’t tell the Cybertruck gang. They latch on to any W they can get at this point.

    • smeg@feddit.ukEnglish
      18·
      2 months ago

      I would guess that’s why counting bugs on the numberplate is mentioned, I think that’s basically stayed the same for decades