Butterfly Populations in Dramatic Decline: How You Can Help, Even with a Single Flower Pot

Recent research has revealed a concerning trend: butterfly populations have plummeted dramatically across the United States over the past two decades. This decline is a cause for concern, as butterflies play a crucial role in our ecosystems, acting as pollinators and serving as an essential part of the food chain. However, the news isn’t all bleak. Experts emphasize that even small actions, like planting a few flowers in a single pot on a porch, can make a significant difference in supporting local butterfly populations.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the comprehensive data collected by researchers across the country. More than 35 butterfly monitoring programs contributed data, encompassing a staggering 12.6 million individual butterflies from 554 different species. These surveys, totaling 756,957 in number, painted a stark picture.

Collin Edwards, an ecological modeler with the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the lead author of the study published in the journal Science, expressed the gravity of the findings. "They are all in trouble, everywhere," he stated, highlighting the widespread nature of the decline.

The primary drivers behind this alarming trend include habitat destruction, the increasingly harsh effects of climate change (resulting in hotter, drier conditions), and the pervasive use of insecticides. Habitat loss deprives butterflies of the spaces they need to feed, breed, and shelter. Climate change disrupts their life cycles and alters the availability of their food sources. Insecticides, while intended to target pests, can also harm or kill butterflies directly.

Fortunately, individuals can take simple steps to create welcoming havens for these delicate insects. According to experts, providing butterflies with nectar-rich flowers and suitable places to lay their eggs is often all it takes to transform a garden, yard, or even a small container into a butterfly-friendly environment.

Elizabeth Crone, a professor in the Department of Evolution & Ecology at the University of California Davis and a co-author of the research, emphasizes the ease of getting started. "I just look at what flowers the bees and butterflies are visiting in the garden center. Then I buy those plants and plant them," she advises. This hands-on approach allows gardeners to observe which plants are most appealing to local pollinators and tailor their selections accordingly.

While milkweed is well-known as the essential host plant for monarch butterflies, experts point out that a wide variety of flowers, including many herbs, can provide valuable nectar sources for various butterfly species. There’s no need to hunt for exotic or rare blooms. Readily available and easy-to-grow options like Golden Alexander, Zinnias, Mexican sunflowers, Cosmos, and Snapdragons are all excellent nectar producers.

Crone uses a relatable analogy to describe the type of flowers butterflies need. "You don’t need the champagne of pollinator flowers – Miller Lite will do," she says, indicating that common, easily accessible flower varieties are perfectly suitable for attracting and nourishing butterflies.

Many people might underestimate the number of butterflies that already visit their gardens. Nick Dorian, a post-doctoral researcher at the Chicago Botanic Garden, encourages gardeners to observe their plants closely during warmer months. Spending just 10 or 20 minutes observing the flowers while relaxing can reveal a surprising number of visitors.

"It can be easy to think ‘I don’t see any butterflies in my garden’ because you glanced a few times throughout the day. But actually, there were 10 butterflies there today," Dorian notes. He adds that even brief visits from butterflies are beneficial. "The butterfly might only stay for 90 seconds, but that’s all it needs to get a nice meal from your flowers."

Identifying the butterflies that visit your garden is also a straightforward process. A quick online search for "local butterflies" in your area will provide images and information to help you identify these colorful guests.

Observing which flowers butterflies frequent will also inform your planting choices for the following year. "They’ll tell you what flowers to keep growing," explains Atticus Murphy, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis who collaborated with Crone on a guide to pollinator gardens.

You do not need to worry that the butterflies will not be able to find the source of food, experts have advised. Butterflies are constantly flying around searching for food sources and are equipped with keen senses to locate them.

"They have pretty good eyes for pursuing color. They fly high up and look around," Dorian explains. In addition, some species, like monarchs, possess an exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting milkweed plants from great distances.

Because butterflies travel across a wide area, individual gardens don’t need to provide all their needs. "So you’re not responsible for providing all their needs, it’s all about the broader area," Crone notes. "And if you’re the first, that’s a great start."

Even those without yards can contribute by planting pollinator-friendly plants in containers. Herbs, if allowed to flower, are excellent choices, as are flowers like anise hyssop, purple coneflower, and swamp milkweed.

Dorian emphasizes that butterflies and humans share similar aesthetic preferences. "We like a big diversity of colors, we want beautiful showy flowers," he points out.

The movement to create butterfly gardens has gained significant momentum in recent years. "It’s incredibly exciting to see so many people taking an interest in conservation," Crone says. "Nature isn’t someplace you have to go to, it’s all around us."

Amidst the environmental challenges facing the world, creating a butterfly garden offers a tangible way to make a positive impact. "When you plant a garden, it becomes a little easier to have hope," Crone says. "It’s such a powerful antidote." By providing food and habitat for these beautiful creatures, we can contribute to their conservation and experience the joy of connecting with nature in our own backyards and balconies.