Butterfly warnings

<h2>Summary</h2> Reports of population declines in Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) accumulate, suggesting long-term decimation of many species, posing threats to biodiversity and ecosystem function. Compared with other, less popular insect species, butterflies have the advantage of being most visible and most comprehensively observed and recorded. Their troubles may signal problems for insects more generally. <b>Michael Gross</b> reports.