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.
A researcher catching Mormon fritillary butterflies in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
A caterpillar of the Mormon fritillary butterfly munches on the leaf of a violet. The wildflowers are a favorite snack of the inchoate insects.
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.
A caterpillar hunkers down to a meal that is disappearing, falling victim to early spring melts, which are likely the result of climate change.
