Groddle butterflies seem to be under threat of extinction all of a sudden. Time was you couldn't move for the flibberty little pretties, and now they're as rare as walloping big diamonds.
It's a pain for those of us focusing on cooking. So many recipes call for milk, butter, cheese and suddenly you can go out gathering supplies and only see one or two butterflies in an entire walkabout. I hope they repopulate soon!
Unfortunately, the game isnt realyy at a state where cooking is very profitable as "a career". Everybody has those skills and few recipes really offer much advantage. All the real profit comes from harvesting, animals, and mining. So being a chef without focusing on food gathering skills and animal raising skills won't do much, especially in the early game.
I saw a lot more butterflies out in Bortola and the outer regions. If you're up for a little travel, I easily found enough to complete all my entry quests for massages, milks and such. Good Luck All!
Little by little they're coming back
Touche! as well, the currants - much harder to find unearned cash! They're higher up the trees and farther in the leaps. Free money ain't what it used to be (here). :) but I still love this game!