Threatened State Flowers and Insects are Facing Climate Change

Recent research indicates that nine flower species and three insect species designated as state symbols could face extinction by 2080 due to Climate change impacts. The study highlights alarming trends, noting that approximately two-thirds of state flowers and over half of all state insects may experience significant reductions in suitable habitats.

The study, which has yet to undergo formal peer review, warns that temperature and precipitation pattern shifts will lead to these declines. Researchers stated, “Certain states may no longer possess suitable habitats for their state-designated species.” They further explained, “Our findings indicate that cultural heritage might be at risk due to reduced habitat suitability and local extinctions driven by Climate change.”

Frédérik Saltré, an ecology research fellow at Flinders University in Australia, explained that each species relies on specific environmental conditions and interactions with other organisms for survival. He elaborated, “Any species requires specific physical and biological conditions and resources for its survival: things like temperature, humidity, sunlight, but also their interactions with other living organisms—e.g., preys, predators, competition for food and shelter, etcetera.”

The research team utilized computer models to assess how habitats for the 64 state flowers and 68 state insects would shift under a high-emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5). Their findings revealed that 42 state flowers, which accounts for 66 percent, may see declines in habitat suitability, potentially resulting in the local extinction of nine species, including Arkansas’s orchard apple (Malus domestica), Montana’s bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva), and Minnesota’s showy lady’s slipper (Cypripedium reginae).

In terms of insects, the study predicts that 35 species, or 51 percent, will be threatened, with three potentially facing local extinction. The research notes that Climate change appears to exert a stronger negative influence on butterflies compared to bees or ladybugs. Additionally, native species are shown to be more susceptible to Climate change effects than non-native counterparts.

The potential loss of these species poses a significant threat to the cultural heritage of the respective states. However, the worst-case emissions scenario projected in the study may not fully materialize. Saltré indicated that ongoing global efforts to curb emissions might lead to a less severe outcome.

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