A Miami Blue Butterfly A Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly
Photo credit: FWC/M.Wisnieski Photo credit: FWS
At first glance this morning, the first story below, gave rise to a tiny hope for two critically endangered, if not already extinct Florida Butterflies, but alas, upon reading it, the two that I had been hoping this pertained to, were not even mentioned in it.
So, is this good news nonetheless, absolutely.
South Florida is at long last, cutting way back/down on its use of pesticides in controlling mosquitos.
But we need to do it here, there and everywhere and always, from this day forward, if we hope to continue to see the entire range of pollinators, amphibians and countless other fragile and environmentally susceptible creatures in Florida.
The two aforementioned Butterflies, The Miami Blue and The Schaus Swallowtail are both teetering on extinction, thanks to countless decades of failure to understand, respect and appreciate the absolutely devastating effect that pesticides have on all Insects, all Humans, everything.
The excessive Global overuse of Pesticides for whatever purpose, will in the end, end us all.
We simply must stop their use, as every living thing on our planet, is depending on it.
These lethal toxins are being used by any and all, for every problem, with no thought or consideration, to their Global long-term effects.
Other than the obvious deleterious effect of the pesticides, a new marauder, the invasive Iguana,which is definitely, not indigenous, has been personally killing off the Miami Blue Butterflies, by eating the very plants that they lay their eggs on, the gray nickerbean, etc., on their last known refuge on Bahia Honda, in the Keys.
We had seen these out of control creatures walking the streets of Miami on each of our trips down to the Keys.
*Before completing this posting, I needed to confirm the status of the Miami Blue, and after a quick call to UF and speaking with Dr. Jaret Daniels, it is my great joy to relay his message that yes, the Miami Blue is still alive and living at the Key West National Refuge.
So, thankfully, it would seem, that these two Butterflies are indeed, still holding on.
Places to learn more:
Mosquito spraying in South Florida scaled back to protect rare butterflies
Threatened butterfly vanishes from Florida refuge
The ant, the butterfly and their chemical warfare with an oregano plant
Walking with the Alligators 
I’m so glad the Miami Blue Butterfly is doing okay, I love the Swallowtails too. I’m pretty sure the pesticides are more harmful than the Iguanas. Iguanas have an extremely varied diet, so I kind of doubt it’s their fault exclusively. Iguanas love to eat Mangoes, flowers like hibiscus, Water Lettuce, and their diet is extremely varied. They’ve been taking the blame for so many events.
Thank you for caring Maria.
According to Dr. Daniels, it is all of the above, when it comes to demise of the Blue~
I was skeptical too, until I read the story, Invaders in Paradise.
The indiscriminate use of pesticides is a disaster to all wildlife. It’s not just Big Ag and golf courses but anyone with a lawn who must have perfectly green grass. Every hardware store and garden center sells these poisons to anyone and by the gallon or more if they pay for it, no questions asked.
Agreed.
And in the end we will all be gone!
Reblogged this on Amber Danette.
Thank you so very much for sharing this~
You’re always and most sincerely welcome :O) XxX
Oh, yes, yes, yes! I think I will reblog this too. We have created a butterfly pavillion in our yard to help save the monarchs. Pollinators are for more than beauty, we need them in order to have all of our food supply. Such an important topic.
How absolutely wonderful.
If only more would do exactly the same~
Thank you!
Reblogged this on Beth Byrnes and commented:
This post is from one of my most valued community members, who shares my love and reverence for life around us. She speaks for those with no voice and this recent post is of vital importance. We need pollinators more than we need chemical companies who are decimating them in order to line their pockets. Please consider doing what you can, and while you are here, read this sensitive blog by a magnificent human being. Gator Woman, thank you and bless you!
Thank you for your sweet and kind words, but I am merely the messenger. Your sharing of this story is much more important!