Monarch butterflies now endangered; UNL expert has tips on helping them

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A lovely companion that visits our state every year is in danger.

Monarch butterflies are seen flying in Nebraska from June through the fall, but as this species made its way to the endangered list, we might be seeing less and less of it.

“Monarch butterfly has been an insect in transition,” said UNL entomology professor Tom Weissling. “It had some good years, some bad years, but overall, monarch butterflies’ population has dropped in the United States in North America.”

Pollinators such as monarch butterflies are a vital part of the food chain. Without them, we humans wouldn’t have much of the food we rely on for survival.

The monarch butterfly is found throughout North America, from Canada to South America and the Caribbean.

Nebraska plays an important role in its cycle, as several generations of monarchs are born here every summer.

Weissling recommended a few steps to help the monarch.

“Plant milkweeds, in many places as you can,” he said.

He also said it’s “incredibly important” that the adults have “a lot of different plants that are flowery, where they can get nectar.”

Experts say there are several things contributing to the decrease of the monarch population, including herbicides, pesticides, climate change and lack of habitat.