climate change will likely increase monarch butterflies
There is some evidence to suggest that climate change could have both positive and negative impacts on monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies migrate over long distances, and their survival and reproduction depend on environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, and availability of their host plants, milkweed.
On the positive side, warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons may allow monarch butterflies to expand their range northwards. This could result in increased migration and potential new breeding habitats. Additionally, elevated carbon dioxide levels can enhance the growth of milkweed, which is the primary food source for monarch caterpillars. This could lead to an increase in food availability and potential population growth.
On the negative side, climate change may also bring about more frequent and severe weather events, including droughts, storms, and heatwaves. These events can disrupt the life cycle of monarch butterflies, their food sources, and breeding habitats. Extreme weather conditions can impact the survival of monarch eggs, larvae, and adults, potentially leading to population declines.
It is important to note that the combined effects of climate change on monarch butterflies are complex and still relatively uncertain. Research on this topic is ongoing, and more studies are needed to understand the specific impacts and how the butterflies may respond to changing climate conditions.