Scientists warn: Low nectar quality threatens monarch butterflies during migration

One of the world's most iconic migrations is in danger, as global warming is affecting the quality of flower nectar, which is the main source of energy for monarch butterflies during their long journey.

Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies embark on a journey of over 3,000 km from the plains of Canada to the mountain forests of Mexico for the winter. This migration attracts tourists across America who admire these orange insects as they fill the sky.

For years, monarch butterflies have shown resilience to the dangers of climate change, including habitat loss, severe weather, and increased pesticide use.

But now they face a new challenge, the decline in the quality of flower nectar, due to rising temperatures.

A study by the University of Ottawa, published in the journal Global Change Biology Communications, found that even a 0.6°C increase in temperature causes a decrease in nectar quality. Butterflies that fed on “warm” flowers accumulated about 25% less body fat than their counterparts, making them more susceptible to the challenges of migration.

According to experts, this is a "wake-up call" for the conservation of monarch butterflies and for environmental care, from planting nectar-rich flowers to protecting natural migration corridors. /CNA

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