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U.S. Butterfly Populations Drop 22%, Monarchs and Habitats at Risk

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Updated Mar 13, 2025, 11:31 PM

A new study published in Science reveals that butterfly populations in the contiguous United States have declined by 22% over the past two decades, with an average annual decrease of 1.3%. The study analyzed data from 35 monitoring programs and identified 114 species experiencing significant declines, with some species showing reductions of over 40%. The primary causes of the decline include habitat loss, climate change, and increased use of insecticides. The southwestern U.S., including states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, has seen the steepest declines, with butterfly populations in these regions dropping by more than half. Notable species affected include the monarch butterfly, with near-historic low counts, the red admiral (down 44%), the American lady (down 58%), and the cabbage white (down 50%). The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to restore habitats and reverse the trend. Experts warn that the declines in butterfly populations reflect larger biodiversity losses, as butterflies are critical pollinators and indicators of ecosystem health.

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