A new Journal Science study said butterfly populations have dropped some 22 percent across 554 recorded species nationwide.
Entomologist Karla Addesso said factors like urbanization, insecticide use, and climate shifts over time have contributed to the decline. Addesso said the decline could cause a trickle down effect to other species.
“Every little animal out there that eats insects needs those caterpillars to be there so they have something to eat,” Addesso said. “So you know, the biggest impact is sort of those cascades that if there’s not enough caterpillars, then there’s not going to be enough food for the birds. And then, there’s not going to be enough birds.”
Addesso said many people do not understand how critical butterflies are to plant populations. Addesso said many insects are pollinators, but butterflies only focus on certain plants.
“Probably, the most popular is monarch butterflies that feed on milkweeds,” Addesso said. “And so, there’s only so many kinds of insects that go to milkweed flowers. So if there’s not enough pollinators, not enough butterflies going to those flowers, those specific types of flowers may not have anything to help them produce new seeds.”
Addesso said if pollinators decline, the plants will eventually go with them.
Addesso said people can do a few things to help slow butterfly population decline. On a small scale, Addesso said planting nectar producing plants will help attract more pollinators. Addesso said these “habitat islands” prevent insects from having to travel as far to find nectar.
Addesso said there have been larger scale butterfly conservation efforts as well. She said some highways have planted lots of wildflowers in the medians, which can attract butterfly populations.
“That’s good for pollinators, it’s good for butterflies,” Addesso said. “It gives those islands of safe habitat where they’re not applying pesticides across the country so these insects have a place to develop and reproduce safely.”
Addesso said people should continue to be mindful of everything in the environment. She said even the plants that are less desirable are still valuable to the ecosystem because they provide food and shelter to different species. Addesso said the best way to conserve the environment is to let it be.
