The US government is still deciding if three insect species are endangered

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening public comment periods for three insect species. This means the agency is still gathering information before deciding whether to list the monarch butterfly, bleached sandhill skipper, and Suckley's cuckoo bumble bee as endangered or threatened.

Listing a species as endangered or threatened triggers specific protections under federal law. This includes restrictions on activities that could harm the species or its habitat. The extended comment period means that the final decision, and thus any new protections, will be delayed.