US lost a fifth of its butterflies within two decades: Study
- From 2000 to 2020, butterfly populations in the contiguous United States fell by 22%, indicating a loss of one in five butterflies, according to a study published in the journal Science.
- The study found that among 342 butterfly species analyzed, nearly one-third experienced declines of more than 50%, with 22 species declining by over 90%.
- Ecologist Collin Edwards stated that butterflies have the capacity to recover if conditions improve, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
- Various stressors, including drought and insecticides, affect butterfly populations, emphasizing the need for conservation initiatives.
212 Articles
212 Articles


Butterflies Are Vanishing at a “Catastrophic” Rate, Could Have Cascading Effects on Food Systems and Wildlife
Butterfly populations in the U.S. have declined by 22% over 20 years, with 114 species experiencing significant drops. Insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids, are a major driver of the decline, harming biodiversity and ecosystems. The Southwest U.S. saw the most severe losses, with butterfly populations dropping by over 50% in some states. Butterflies are vital pollinators, and their decline threatens food systems, wildlife, and ecological ba…
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