You may have noticed fewer butterflies in your backyard. Researchers now have data confirming that they are disappearing across the United States at an alarming rate. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science reveals a concerning 22% decline in butterfly numbers between 2000 and 2020.
In this article we’ll cover what researchers uncovered, why these trends matter, and how we can work to protect one of nature’s most enchanting—and important—pollinators.
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Vanessa Cardui or Painted Lady Butterfly, commonly found the in the U.S. - (Image Credit: Mohaymen Abk via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci)
Where Have All the Butterflies Gone?
Perhaps you’ve noticed fewer butterflies in your own yard or local park. Scientists have noticed it too, and they now have the numbers to back it up. By combining data from 35 different monitoring programs—including more than 76,000 surveys and 12.6 million butterfly observations—researchers have painted the clearest picture yet of the state of butterflies in the contiguous U.S.
They found that butterfly abundance fell by 22% in just two decades. That means that for every five butterflies at the turn of the century, only four remain today. In some regions, such as the Pacific Northwest, numbers seemed to rise slightly—but this was largely due to a single species enjoying a short-lived boom. In the rest of the country, data show that about 13 times as many butterfly species are declining as are increasing, with over a hundred species losing more than half their populations.
Why Do These Losses Matter to You?
Butterflies aren’t just pretty garden visitors: they pollinate flowers and crops, recycle nutrients, and help support other wildlife. Many bird species depend on them as a food source—yet North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds over the last 50 years, a decline that mirrors the rate at which butterfly numbers have been falling.
Although bees often come to mind first when we think of pollinators, butterflies also contribute significantly to crop production. In Texas, for instance, butterflies (together with flies) support around $120 million of cotton production. Their decline, therefore, has both ecological and economic consequences, from empty bird feeders to diminished crop yields.
Further reading: Conservation efforts must include small animals. After all, they run the world - (Universal-Sci)
Is There Hope for a Butterfly Comeback?
The good news is that conservation measures can help butterflies rebound. Scientists point to several actions that could make a real difference:
Reduce Insecticide Overuse: Research suggests that widespread, preventive insecticide application often brings no clear benefit to crop yields. Cutting back on unnecessary treatments could restore butterfly habitats and protect other beneficial insects.
Protect and Restore Habitats: Converting under-producing farmland back into natural spaces provides wildflowers and host plants that butterflies need to thrive. Even pollinator-friendly gardens in neighbourhoods and parks help.
Inform Policy: With robust, nationwide data now available, researchers and conservationists are better equipped to argue for stronger protections, both locally and on a national scale. Efforts are already underway to identify especially at-risk species for potential inclusion on the U.S. Endangered Species Act or the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.
Elise Zipkin of Michigan State University and Nick Haddad, along with Binghamton University’s Eliza Grames, emphasize that this is a wake-up call. Insects worldwide are declining at a rate of around 1–2% per year, and butterflies in particular offer a clear illustration of this trend. By putting these findings in front of lawmakers, volunteer groups, and everyday citizens, scientists hope to spark more informed decisions about insecticide usage, habitat protection, and conservation priorities.
Image Credit: StellarCuriosity via Shutterstock
Although the numbers are sobering, the experts behind these studies remain optimistic. If communities reduce chemical use, protect wild spaces, and stay informed about local butterfly populations, these creatures could begin to bounce back. For many of us, that means we might once again see gardens filled with butterflies, ensuring the ecological and aesthetic benefits of these remarkable insects for generations to come.
If you are interested in reading more about the underlying research, be sure to check out the paper published in Science, listed below
Sources, further reading and related articles:
Rapid butterfly declines across the United States during the 21st century - (Science)
Scientists have finally unravelled how ants spread across nearly the entire planet - (Universal-Sci)
Not just bees: the buzz on our other vital insect helpers - (Universal-Sci)
Conservation efforts must include small animals. After all, they run the world - (Universal-Sci)
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