Many threats face butterflies and moths. None is more deadly than habitat alteration and destruction.
Butterflies and moths can eat only certain plants and can live only in certain areas. Insecticides and pollution kill off millions each year. A shopping mall plopped down in their feeding and breeding grounds can be devastating. One species, the Xerces (ZER-seez) blue in California, has already become extinct through changes in its habitat. More than 20 other butterfly and moth species are on the U.S. government’s endangered species list.
Fortunately, there are things we can all do to help keep butterflies and moths dancing through our lives.
