Atala butterflies in South Florida threaten rare Miami plants due to their voracious appetite.

Atala butterflies, native to South Florida, have been causing "mass destruction" on rare Miami plants due to their voracious appetite. The butterflies, once thought extinct, rely on coontie plants for survival; however, they have also been observed feasting on other rare plants. This poses a challenge for researchers and conservationists seeking to protect both the butterflies and the plants they feed on.