U.S. butterfly populations drop 22% as experts urge native gardening to help

Butterflies are disappearing at an alarming rate across the United States, and scientists say the decline signals more than just a loss of beauty.

A new nationwide study shows butterfly populations have dropped 22% in just 20 years, raising red flags about the health of ecosystems and the pollinators we rely on for food and flowers. But despite the grim data, experts say there’s hope—starting in our own backyards.

What the science says

A sweeping 20-year study published in the journal Science found that the overall abundance of butterflies in the U.S. dropped by more than a fifth between 2000 and 2020. The study drew from more than 76,000 surveys and tracked 554 species across the lower 48 states.

Nick Haddad, an ecologist and co-author of the study, called the decline “catastrophic,” noting that 107 species have lost more than half their populations.

“Prophylactic and near-universal application of insecticides harms butterflies and other beneficial insects, with no proven benefit to crop yield,” Haddad said.

Why it’s happening

The study and supporting experts pointed to three key culprits:

1. Pesticide use: Overapplication of insecticides is harming pollinators unnecessarily.
2. Habitat loss: Urbanization and land development continue to chip away at butterfly-friendly environments.
3. Climate change: Rising temperatures are affecting butterfly migration and breeding cycles.

Jennifer Possley, director of regional conservation at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida, called it “yet another wake-up call” about the state of biodiversity.

Local efforts and native gardens

While the national outlook is grim, every day, people are stepping up. In Plantation, Florida, gardener Amy Rielly has turned her yard into a haven for butterflies.

“It’s actually very therapeutic,” Rielly said. “People who have it will tell you this is the best thing you've ever done.”

She teaches others how to create butterfly-friendly gardens, focusing on two essentials: a host plant for caterpillars and a nectar source for adult butterflies.

Back in Oklahoma, the Tulsa Audubon Society encourages residents to do the same. Its Native Gardening resource helps locals select the right plants for pollinators in the region.

Why butterflies matter

Butterflies are more than just beautiful—they play a vital role in ecosystems:

1. Pollination: They help fertilize plants, supporting agriculture and wild habitats.
2. Biodiversity: They serve as food for birds and other species.
3. Environmental indicators: Their presence—or absence—signals broader ecological health.

A loss in butterfly species can ripple through the food chain and impact natural systems we depend on.

What you can do

Experts say individuals can help make a difference, even in small spaces:

1. Plant native species that serve as host and nectar plants.
2. Limit pesticide use in lawns and gardens.
3. Support conservation groups and advocate for pollinator-friendly policies.

As Elise Zipkin, a lead researcher on the butterfly study, put it: “To lose 22% of butterflies in just two decades shows a clear need for broad-scale conservation interventions.”