Butterflies: Not Just a Pretty Face

Butterflies (and moths) are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems. Areas rich in butterflies are rich in other invertebrates (insects and worms) as well.  These collectively and in a wide variety provide a range of environmental benefits, including pollination and natural pest control.  They are also an important element of the food chain and are prey for birds and bats that help keep the balance in the animal world.

Butterflies are also widely used by ecologists as model organisms to study the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation, including climate change.  Even the smallest of animals can reveal how our habits influence the changes in  environmental world.