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Miami Blue Butterfly Now Protected by the Government
the daily dish
The federal government must be a fan of butterflies, especially the Miami blue. According to Live Science, this small, brightly-colored butterfly has been added to the list of endangered species, making the Miami blue protected by law.
Unlike some of its migratory cousins, this tiny flier stays put in Florida's coastal regions throughout the year. While the Miami blue's habitat extends beyond its namesake city, that area is shrinking. The butterfly used to flap all across Florida, from the Florida Keys to Daytona Beach. Today, the Miami blue can only be found on a handful of islands in the Keys.
RELATED: Play the Who's Cutest game!
This dramatic drop in the butterfly population has been traced to the poisonous mosquito spraying of the 1970s, and the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew in the 1990s. For several years after Hurricane Andrew, some scientists thought the butterfly was extinct.
More Butterflies:
RELATED: Like blue? Check out beautiful blue-eyed animals.
Luckily, several small populations of the Miami blue remain, and the government hopes to see those smatterings grow with federal protection. It is illegal to harm, kill, import, possess or sell any endangered species. Additionally, federal agencies have to minimize their effects on the butterflies and all conservation efforts are encouraged.
Unlike some of its migratory cousins, this tiny flier stays put in Florida's coastal regions throughout the year. While the Miami blue's habitat extends beyond its namesake city, that area is shrinking. The butterfly used to flap all across Florida, from the Florida Keys to Daytona Beach. Today, the Miami blue can only be found on a handful of islands in the Keys.
RELATED: Play the Who's Cutest game!
This dramatic drop in the butterfly population has been traced to the poisonous mosquito spraying of the 1970s, and the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew in the 1990s. For several years after Hurricane Andrew, some scientists thought the butterfly was extinct.
More Butterflies:
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YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images1 of 11
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Dan Kitwood/Getty Images2 of 11
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DANIEL SORABJI/AFP/Getty Images3 of 11
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AP Photo/Paula Cannon4 of 11
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Caturix/Flickr6 of 11
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Covet Chicago/Flickr7 of 11
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Lokacid/Flickr8 of 11
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rlonpine/Flickr9 of 11
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rveronesi1/Flickr10 of 11
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Steve Corey/Flickr11 of 11
RELATED: Like blue? Check out beautiful blue-eyed animals.
Luckily, several small populations of the Miami blue remain, and the government hopes to see those smatterings grow with federal protection. It is illegal to harm, kill, import, possess or sell any endangered species. Additionally, federal agencies have to minimize their effects on the butterflies and all conservation efforts are encouraged.
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9 Comments
We are all equally responsible for protecting every species on this planet. It's sad that we need a government to make us realize this. It isn't just YOUR land. The butterflies have every right to live and be wild even if that means giving up a little land. A few spots on your apples won't hurt you. Get over it.
April 10 2012 at 1:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhat's the difference between a butter-fly & a moth ?
April 10 2012 at 12:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyBe careful of the NAACP and the ACLU, They will sue or boycott you because there is stronger punishment for killing the butterfly than the black teenager in Florida.
April 10 2012 at 12:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThis isn't about a little blue butterfly. It's about the federal government restricting your land use. First they will deem areas to be sanctuaries and deny building permits. Then as the pretty little things start thriving and spreading into your gardens, they will ban pesticides on your property and tell you what you can build and plant on your own land. Science has come to the point that the breeding and releasing of this butterfly could be done without the governments interference.
April 10 2012 at 12:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOMG!!!!!!!! ranting and raving a bit are we???? We need laws to protect the insects and creatures of America for the environment/ecosystem and posterity from people like you who think you can do any damn thing you please..... did we forget to take our meds today????
April 10 2012 at 1:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI had 5 acres of land in central Florida and cleared it all of brush except for the back yard. I planted wildflowers and attracted the most beautiful butterfly's. It was great just walking thru my flowers, surrounded by butterfly's.
April 10 2012 at 12:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySo be4autiful, and to the guy or girl who said one splattered on his windshield this orning and wondering if the feds are going to show. No they won't show up, but the good taste police should.
April 10 2012 at 11:59 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOh no ! that is the exact butterfly that splatted on my windshield. I hope the Feds don't come after me !
April 10 2012 at 11:43 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI love the beauty of butterflies, and the freedom they express to us. I sure hope people will just look at them as a gift from God. I'm sorry about your son, I'm sure the butterflies you seen had everything to do with your son. That was just the love he had for you on the other side. Windom4578 I will say a pray for you and your son. God bless!!!
April 10 2012 at 11:40 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply