Evaluating the role of climate on midwestern butterfly trajectories, monarch declines, and the broader insect apocalypse

The US Geological Survey, through its National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers program (CFDA 15.820), awarded a $470,033 cooperative agreement to the University of Massachusetts for the project "Evaluating the Role of Climate on Midwestern Butterfly Trajectories, Monarch Declines, and the Broader Insect Apocalypse." The three-year project, beginning June 2021, will evaluate the impact of climate change on butterfly populations in the Midwest region and provide science and technical support to federal and state agencies regarding monarch butterfly declines and broader threats to insect populations. As part of the award, the University of Massachusetts will partner with Michigan State University through a $TBD subaward to conduct field research and monitoring of butterfly species. The funding will enable the awardees to deliver scientific findings and technical assistance to natural resource managers on adapting conservation strategies to climate threats.