Natural History Wanderings

Science Daily reports in a new study that mild winters may be difficult on some butterflies. Some species of caterpillar have a higher metabolic rate and burn more fat during mild winters. This may overwhelm the insect’s reserves when it needs to conserve enough energy both to overwinter and begin metamorphosis in the spring. Although it is possible butterflies may be able to make some adaptations to the temperature changes, the ability to adapt appears to be limited. This may result in a decrease in butterfly populations. Read more at Science Daily Mild winters are detrimental to butterflies.