Butterflies declining at an alarming rate across United States

A recently conducted assessment of butterfly trends across the contiguous United States from 2000 to 2020 found declines at every scale: reductions in total numbers of butterflies, falling species richness, and large decreases in many individual species.

Schaus’ Swallowtail benefits from hurricanes

A recent paper has highlighted that the population size of the federally endangered Schaus’ Swallowtail (Heraclides ponceana) was positively influenced by something unexpected — hurricanes.

Meet the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing

The Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) is the largest butterfly in the world, with the female’s wingspan up to 30cm. Found in Papua New Guinea, this vibrant butterfly is sadly endangered as a result of habitat loss caused by large-scale logging, expanding smallholder agriculture, and oil palm planting.

Meet the Richmond Birdwing

The Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera richmondia) is a large, vibrant butterfly found in eastern Australia. Sadly, however, this beautiful butterfly is vulnerable and, despite being protected in Queensland, several of its populations have disappeared and its range has severely contracted.