Kaelin Ferland ’23
Microplastics’ Effects on Painted Lady Butterfly Survivorship, Migratory Behavior, and Fecundity
Kaelin Ferland ’23, Environmental Biology major
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rachael Bonoan, Biology
Human activity is affecting our planet at a microscopic level. In 2021, scientists first discovered microplastics in honeybees. Subsequent research has found that honeybee gut bacteria concentrations decrease because of microplastic ingestion, decreasing honeybee survivorship. The same might be true for other insect pollinators including butterflies. When butterflies visit flowers to feed, they simultaneously collect pollen on their wings. Due to the similar particulate structure of pollen and microplastics, it’s possible that butterflies collect microplastics in addition to food. We used painted lady butterflies to investigate if microplastics negatively impact survivorship, migratory behavior, and fecundity.
Poster Presentation: Thursday, April 27, 2 – 4 p.m.
