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Home > Blogs > Birds and Butterflies > Archives > 2008 > October > 22 > Entry
Environmental changes and butterflies
Will changes in the environment change what we see in butterflies? That is a very complex question. The simple answer is yes. But what kind of changes will take place, that is much more difficult to answer. Many studies are underway to help us answer this question but no one really has a complete answer. In England butterflies are emerging much earlier than past years. In some cases as much as 7 weeks early. This is an almost unbelievable time frame so it is a cause for concern. Butterflies are also moving into areas much farther north than they have ever been seen before.
What will happen to the Monarchs in Mexico? If the overwintering location becomes too cool and wet the butterflies will not be able to stay in the area for the winter. Will this cause the extinction of the butterflies? Some scientist believe it could, others think the monarch will survive because they will be able to adapt to a new home. What would become “extinct” would be the incredible migration they undertake each fall.
Butterflies have already disappeared from areas. As climate conditions have changed in those places habitat was lost and so was the butterfly populations. This has happened in locations around the world. Has it happened on a large scale? Scientist are not really sure because so many butterflies have not yet been studied.
So are you asking your self is any of this really important? Well yes. There are species of plants and animals that are indicator species. What that means is the species is very sensitive to change. Butterflies are an indicator species. This means that major changes in the population signals that major changes for other populations could be on the way.
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