Autozygosity and genetic load as sensitive early warnings of butterfly population decline

Insects are commonly expected to be protected from genomic erosion by high fecundity, short generation times, and large census sizes.

Insects are commonly expected to be protected from genomic erosion by high fecundity, short generation times, and large census sizes. Yet, insect populations can decline and eventually go extinct, underscoring the need for genomic indicators that provide actionable early…