Butterflies in Greece are facing increasing challenges due to the effects of climate change, with rising temperatures and environmental changes impacting their survival. In a zoo outside Athens, butterflies are kept in a controlled environment, safe from the climate-induced threats that are affecting their populations both locally and globally. These delicate insects, which rely heavily on stable environmental conditions for survival, are now struggling with food scarcity, shortened flowering periods, and, alarmingly, a potential decrease in their body size.
Greece is home to approximately 237 butterfly species, but experts are concerned that many may not be able to adapt to the changing climate. Agronomist Konstantinos Anagnostellis, part of a research project called MEIOSIS, highlights the severity of the issue. “Climate change is impacting butterflies that rely on temperature to perform essential activities such as mating, reproduction, growth, and feeding,” he said. MEIOSIS, which translates to “shrinking” in Greek, is a project conducted by the University of Ioannina. The team is measuring the body weight of over 50,000 butterfly specimens collected over the past century, with early findings suggesting a reduction in body size linked to rising temperatures.
As Greece experiences hotter conditions, butterflies are forced to fly to cooler areas in search of food. This migration often leads them to places where food sources are limited, further threatening their survival. The situation is worsened by the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Greece, which destroy vital grasslands that provide food for butterfly larvae. “If these plants are burned, there is a risk of direct mortality for the larvae, and we may not have adult butterflies to reproduce,” Anagnostellis explained. The loss of habitat due to wildfires forces butterflies to migrate to other regions, adding further stress to already vulnerable populations.
This trend is not unique to Greece. Similar declines in butterfly populations have been observed globally, including in countries such as Mexico and the United Kingdom, where certain species are seeing sharp drops in numbers. Butterflies are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and environment, making them key indicators of broader ecological shifts caused by climate change.
The situation serves as a reminder of the broader impacts of climate change on biodiversity, as species around the world struggle to adapt to rapid environmental changes. Without immediate action, experts fear that the continued decline of butterfly populations could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, including pollination and food webs.
