"Butterflies In The U.S. Are Disappearing At A ‘Catastrophic’ Rate"

"The number of butterflies in the contiguous United States declined by 22 percent this century, a collapse with potentially dire implications."

"Butterflies are rapidly fluttering out of existence from coast to coast, according to a new assessment published Thursday, at a rate that scientists worry could upend ecosystems and undercut pollination that sustains America’s crops.

The total number of butterflies in the contiguous United States has declined 22 percent over a 20-year period, according to a study in the journal Science, as shrinking habitat, rising temperatures and a toxic array of pesticides kill off the delicate insects.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Science, is the most comprehensive tally of U.S. butterfly populations to date."

Dino Grandoni reports for the Washington Post March 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. EST

SEE ALSO:

"See How Butterflies Are Surviving, or Not, Near You" (New York Times)

"First National Analysis Finds America’s Butterflies Are Disappearing At ‘Catastrophic’ Rate" (AP)

"Monarch Butterflies Wintering In Mexico Rebound This Year" (AP)