A Colorado butterfly, other bugs getting new protections as human and climate threats loom - Montrose Daily Press

A Colorado butterfly, other bugs getting new protections as human and climate threats loom | Local News Stories | montrosepress.com

Bugs and other invertebrates are getting more attention and more protection in Colorado with new federal status for the silverspot butterfly, a proposed bill to study more threatened invertebrates and plants, and a landmark insect-health report. All are positive news for state bugs, but also highlight human and climate threats to often overlooked but environmentally important species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last week declared the silverspot butterfly of southwestern Colorado to be threatened under the Endangered Species Act, with new ecosystem rules in the butterfly’s habitat to minimize future losses. The silverspot thrives in open, wet meadows with shade up to 8,300 feet, and is threatened by habitat loss from development and drought and higher temperatures from climate change.