Elise F. Zipkin Erica H. Henry Nick M. Haddad Matthew L. Forister Kevin J. Burls Steven P. Campbell Elizabeth E. Crone Jay Diffendorfer Margaret R. Douglas Ryan G. Drum Candace E. Fallon Jeffrey Glassberg Eliza M. Grames Richard G. Hatfield Shiran V. Hershcovich Scott Hoffman-Black Elise A. Larsen Wendy Leuenberger Mary J. Linders Travis Longcore Daniel A. Marschalek James Michielini Naresh Neupane Leslie Ries Arthur M. Shapiro Ann B. Swengel Scott R. Swengel Douglas J. Taron Braeden Van Deynze Jerome Wiedmann Wayne E. Thogmartin Cheryl B. Schultz Collin B. Edwards 2025 <p><span>Reports of declining insect populations have received widespread media attention, but evidence for declines has been variable across regions and taxonomic groups. Edwards&nbsp;</span><i>et al</i><span>. examined trends in the most surveyed taxon: butterflies (see the Perspective by Inouye). Combining data from 35 citizen science programs across the continental US, the authors found declines in overall butterfly abundance over the past 20 years across almost all major regions. Two-thirds of studied species showed declines of more than 10%. Many insects have the potential for rapid population growth and recovery, but habitat restoration, species-specific interventions, and reducing pesticide use are all likely needed to curb population declines.</span></p> application/pdf 10.1126/science.adp4671 en American Association for the Advancement of Science Rapid butterfly declines across the United States during the 21st century article