Climate Shifts Butterfly Ranges Worldwide

A global synthesis covering about 1,758 butterfly species across 105 countries found widespread changes in geographic ranges, including horizontal expansion, contraction, and movement to higher elevations.

Climate change and extreme weather were associated with nearly 80% of reported shifts, while habitat loss, agriculture, urbanization, and fragmentation also contributed. The findings support expanded monitoring, habitat connectivity, habitat restoration, and protection of microclimatic refuges, although evidence remains concentrated in Europe and North America.