>>VA Tech Expert Shares Tips for Thriving Butterfly Population
(Blacksburg, VA) -- A Virginia Tech expert is sharing tips on how to help the butterfly population thrive. Joe Murano with more.Preview: Voicer Script:
Butterflies are facing a decline in population, with a 22% loss between 2000 and 2020. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, climate change, and insecticides that deter caterpillars. Dr. Theresa Dellinger from Virginia Tech spoke with WDBJ and she suggests maintaining a diverse yard with native plants and seeking advice from naturalist groups instead of using insecticides. The Monarch butterfly is at risk of being listed as endangered due to population decline. Unusual weather patterns, such as warm spells followed by cold snaps, can also impact butterfly populations.