Insects are the foundation of healthy ecosystems, yet they are experiencing widespread declines across the globe. Pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and moths are essential for the reproduction of wildflowers and many of the crops we rely on for food. Other insects, including carrion beetles, play equally important but often overlooked roles by recycling nutrients, decomposing dead animals, improving soil health, and supporting countless other species. Together, insects form the base of many food webs, providing a critical food source for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.

Northern Michigan supports an incredible diversity of insects, many of which are indicators of healthy habitats. However, habitat loss, fragmentation, pesticide use, invasive species, climate change, and the decline of native plant communities are placing increasing pressure on these populations. Some species, such as the monarch butterfly and the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee, have experienced dramatic population declines, while others, including the American burying beetle, have disappeared from much of their historic range.

Through population surveys, habitat assessments, and conservation partnerships, Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund works to better understand the status of insect populations across the region and identify opportunities to restore and protect the habitats they depend on. By conserving insects, we are also safeguarding the broader ecosystems that support wildlife, healthy forests and wetlands, sustainable agriculture, and the communities that depend on them.