By Kevinjonah Paguio
Cronkite News
SCOTTSDALE – This time of year, butterflies are in backyards and parks, but it may look different this season. This year’s extreme heat is expected to affect all parts of the ecosystem, including butterflies and their migration.Climate change is prolonging heat cycles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, making the period of extreme heat longer than in the past. The National Weather Service recorded 31 straight days of temperatures of 110° or higher in 2023 in Phoenix, a record. The heat took a toll on humans and other species they share the environment with, including butterflies.Derek Kellogg, director of animal care at Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, is concerned that “large and spectacular migrations” of butterflies are under threat.Kellogg said that Arizona’s extreme heat has resulted in less food for butterflies and caterpillars. The heat has negatively impacted host and nectar plants that are integral to the butterflies’ survival. As a result, butterflies aren’t expected to migrate as far south as previous years.
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