The Butterfly Crisis: Climate Change's Impact on Greece's Fluttering Gems

Butterflies in Greece face challenges due to climate change, leading to reduced food availability and shorter flowering periods. Experts warn of global butterfly population declines. The MEIOSIS project studies body size reductions over time, as rising temperatures force migrations and threaten species survival.

In a zoo near Athens, multi-colored butterflies feed safely on orange slices, undisturbed by the climate challenges affecting their populations globally.

With 237 species, Greece's butterflies face food scarcity, shorter flowering periods, and potential size reduction, reflecting issues seen in Mexico and Britain.

'Climate change affects butterflies' vital functions,' says agronomist Konstantinos Anagnostellis, who studies this trend in the MEIOSIS project, which explores butterfly body size reductions due to climate change.

(With inputs from agencies.)