Images: Disappearing Butterflies of the Rocky Mountains
Feeding time
The numbers of tiny and lovely Mormon fritillary butterflies have been declining in the Rocky Mountains, and a group of scientists says they now know why. Early springs, caused by climate change are affecting their numbers. Read more about the disappearing butterflies.
Nice work if you can get it
A researcher catching Mormon fritillary butterflies in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Green lunch
A caterpillar of the Mormon fritillary butterfly munches on the leaf of a violet. The wildflowers are a favorite snack of the inchoate insects.
Cold kills
A dead bud of an aspen fleabane daisy. Frost killed off the growing plant. Dead buds mean no nectar, which means no food for butterflies.
Soon to be gone?
A caterpillar hunkers down to a meal that is disappearing, falling victim to early spring melts, which are likely the result of climate change.
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
