Lepidoptera in the News: August Roundup

Another tropical storm, another collection of insect-related news stories. Here’s what’s been going on in the world of butterflies and moths…

Mutant Butterflies in Fukushima
Last year’s earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan caused major damage, but the effects on wildlife are just now coming to light. Butterflies from the fallout zone are displaying mutations at an alarmingly high rate. Butterflies are good indicators of the health of the ecosystem, and scientists are concerned about what this may indicate about other wildlife from the area. Click here to read more.

 

Major Butterfly Population Shift Likely Linked to Climate Change
Scientists in Massachusetts have documented that cooler-climate butterflies species have declined since 1992 (some by as much as 92%), while warm-climate butterflies like Giant Swallowtails have substantially increased in numbers. As the earth warms, more shifts like these are likely. Learn more here.

Illegal Logging Halted in Mexico Monarch Wintering Grounds
Just in time for the beginning of fall monarch migration, the Mexican government announces huge success in protecting the western Mexico wintering grounds from illegal logging – a huge risk to the butterflies that need to roost in these trees. The Mexican government made an enormous effort to stop this dangerous practice, and studies show they are succeeding. Click here for more information.

 

National Butterfly Center Has a New Director
The National Butterfly Center in Texas hired a new director recently. Marianna Trevino has a strong background in non-profit fundraising and marketing, and hopes to raise awareness about the center. Learn more about Trevino and the National Butterfly Center here.

Caterpillar Smuggler Eats His Words
A man arriving in Switzerland from Togo was found to be carrying hundreds of caterpillars (some still alive) in a hidden compartment in his luggage. After trying to pass them off as “special roots”, he claimed they were a delicacy and began snacking on them to prove his point. Officials confiscated the rest and destroyed them. Click here for the whole story.

Know of another lepidoptera-related news story? Drop us a comment below!