While habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides have all been cited as potential causes of global insect declines, this study is the first comprehensive, long-term examination of their relative impacts. Using 17 years of land-use, climate, multiple pesticide, and butterfly survey data from 81 counties in five states, they found that a shift from pesticide use to neonicotinoid-treated seeds was associated with a decline in butterfly species diversity in the U.S. Midwest.
The findings include a decline in the number of migrating monarch butterflies, which is a serious problem. Specifically, the study points to pesticides, not herbicides, as the most important factor in the decline of monarch butterflies.
The study has particularly far-reaching implications because butterflies play an important role in pollination and are key markers of environmental health. Understanding the underlying factors driving butterfly population declines will help researchers protect these species for the benefit of our environment and the sustainability of our food systems.
”As the best-known group of insects, butterflies are a key indicator of massive insect declines, and our conservation findings for them will have implications for the entire insect world,” Haddad said.
The paper notes that these factors are complex and difficult to isolate and measure in the field. The study requires more publicly available, reliable, comprehensive and consistent data on pesticide use, particularly on neonicotinoid seed treatments, to fully understand the causes of butterfly declines.
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MSU’s extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Published in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in support of the work of Michigan State University Extension. Quentin Taylor, Director of Extension, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Mention of commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by Michigan State University or any bias toward products not mentioned.
Post time: Dec-09-2024