Life can’t function without insects. At least, not for long. They pollinate, break down waste, cycle nutrients, and touch every node in the web of life, filling endless niches across the planet. As global temperatures continue to rise, some of Earth’s most important but overlooked pollinators, the flies, may be at greater risk than previously […]
Tag: butterflies
National Trust records ‘alarming’ drop in insects and seabirds at its sites
There have been alarming declines this year in some insect species including bees, butterflies, moths and wasps, while many seabirds have also been “hammered” by unstable weather patterns caused by the climate emergency, a conservation charity has said. In its annual report on the impact of the weather on flora and fauna, the National Trust […]
Scientists are racing to save South Asia’s butterflies from the threat of extinction
In the dark undergrowth of mangrove forests, an anthology of color stirs. Flickers of turquoise rise like exhales from the brackish marshlands, and flashes of sunset orange spark alive in the shadows. The Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh and India is largely known as one of the last remaining habitats for the Bengal tiger (Panthera […]
Painted Lady Butterflies Travel 2,600 Miles Across the Atlantic
Painted lady butterflies, scientifically known as Vanessa cardui, are known for their impressive migratory feats. These insects are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. A recent study published in June by Nature Communications has unveiled astonishing details about their migration patterns, revealing that these butterflies travel thousands of miles across oceans. According to […]
Mexico’s avocado industry harms monarch butterflies, but will U.S. officials act? (commentary)
Monarch butterflies are returning to gardens across the United States, but a few months ago, I stood in a mountain forest in Mexico where the monarchs spend the winter. They clustered on trees by the thousands and when the sun hit them, they swarmed in a cloud of bright orange confetti. I was surrounded by […]
Scores of Endangered Butterflies Slated to Be Released Along California Coast Using $1.5 Million Private Grant
In California, a joint effort will oversee a multi-stage, four-year plan to help Behren’s silverspot butterfly return in numbers to the coastline of Northern California. Vitalized by a $1.5 million grant from the State of CA Wildlife Conservation Board, the Mendocino Land Trust (MLT) is planning to plant 35,000 early blue violets, the only plant […]
How to Support Your Local Wildlife
Wild birds, insects and other wildlife populations are on the decline. These creatures need all the help they can get to cope with a changing planet. If you’re wondering what you can do to give your local wildlife a helping hand, here are some suggestions from the team at Really Wild Bird Food, who grow […]
5 Camouflage Techniques of Animals: Animals Who Blend In and Change Colors
Wildlife is often about survival of the fittest. In some cases, it is the survival of the most creative. From the ocean to the forest, there are a ton of animals that can blend seamlessly into their surroundings. 1. Chameleon Source: The Animal Box Office/Youtube Chameleons are one of the most notorious color-changing animals. Watch […]