Butterfly Effect | Framed & Mounted Print

There are over 100,000 species of butterflies in the world, which pollinate many wildflowers as they move from bloom to bloom. Scientists have also demonstrated their value to crop pollination. For example, a new study suggests that by cross-fertilizing cotton flowers that bees don't visit, butterflies and some other insects add about $120 million per year to the cotton harvest in Texas alone. Most butterflies live an active life that only lasts about ten days, assuming they can evade the many traps laid by predators, parasitoids, parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungi. And because they have short life cycles, butterflies are highly sensitive to subtle habitat or climatic changes. As such they are valuable indicators of overall ecosystem health. As with other pollinators, habitat loss and the threat of invasive species are serious concerns. Strategies to help protect butterfly biodiversity include planting native grasses and wildflowers in your yard, green roof or balcony, joining a planting event, becoming a citizen scientist by participating in an annual butterfly count, attending a butterfly event to learn about butterflies and the joys of butterfly watching, and making wise consumer choices. Many small actions have a big impact..it's the Butterfly Effect!