What caused the insect population decline in the Colorado meadow?

The insect population decline in the Colorado meadow was strongly tied to rising summer temperatures, particularly warmer nighttime lows.

How did the Colorado meadow insect populations change over time?

The study found that insect populations in the Colorado meadow plummeted by more than 70% over the past 20 years, with an average decline of 6.6% per year.

What are the potential consequences of the insect decline in the Colorado meadow?

The decline of insects in the Colorado meadow could have devastating ripple effects, threatening birds, mammals, and even collapsing human food supplies, as insects play crucial roles in pollinating crops and wild plants, recycling nutrients, and forming the foundation of countless food webs.

Home / Environment / Insect Decline Alarms Scientists in Remote Colorado Meadow

Insect Decline Alarms Scientists in Remote Colorado Meadow

2 Nov

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Summary

Insect populations plummeted over 70% in 20 years
Decline strongly linked to rising summer temperatures
Insects essential for ecosystems, food webs, and human survival

Insect Decline Alarms Scientists in Remote Colorado Meadow

According to a study published in Ecology in 2025, insect populations in a remote subalpine meadow in Colorado have experienced a staggering decline of over 70% over the past 20 years. The research, led by Keith Sockman of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, monitored flying insect populations in the area from 2004 to 2024 and found that insect abundance fell by an average of 6.6% per year.

The findings are particularly alarming as the study site had minimal human impact, suggesting that global temperature rise alone may be enough to destabilize insect populations, even in the most pristine environments. Sockman explained that the sharp drop was strongly linked to rising summer temperatures, particularly warmer nighttime lows.

Insects are among the most essential and overlooked organisms on Earth, playing crucial roles in pollinating crops and wild plants, recycling nutrients, and forming the foundation of countless food webs. Their decline could have devastating ripple effects, threatening birds, mammals, and even collapsing human food supplies. Researchers are now calling for expanded monitoring of insect populations across a wider range of ecosystems to better understand the impact of climate change and develop stronger conservation strategies.