Bees, butterflies, and other insects are under attack by the very plants they feed on as U.S. agriculture continues to use chemicals known to kill.
Local beekeepers suspect pesticides used for controlling mosquitoes may be the cause.
The agency says sulfoxaflor poses less risk than alternatives and is a critical tool for farmers.
Insect populations are declining dramatically in many parts of the world, recent studies show. Researchers say various factors, from monoculture farming to habitat loss, are to blame for the plight of insects, which are essential to agriculture and ecosystems.
Scientist Brad Lister returned to Puerto Rican rainforest after 35 years to find 98% of ground insects had vanished
The studies have established that even in places where plant diversity and abundance have improved, insect numbers still declined.
Colonies suffered from parasitic, disease-spreading Varroa mites. Floods and fire didn’t help.
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