II.

Range and Habitat

Butterflies and moths are native to almost every part of the globe except Antarctica and the oceans. Different biomes, such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and alpine highlands, each support distinctive arrays of butterfly and moth species. Like many groups of animals, lepidopterans reach their greatest diversity in the tropics. More than 6,000 species of butterflies make their home in Peru, a largely tropical nation in South America with a variety of habitats from rain forest to mountain summits, while only 6 types of butterflies live in Greenland’s high arctic environment.

In general, wooded habitats are more hospitable to moths, while butterflies prefer open, sunny settings. Butterflies may be found in flowery fields, meadows, and hillsides; along stream banks, roadsides, and the edges of woods; and in clearings, glades, and nature reserves of all sorts. Especially large numbers of butterflies can be found in prairies, arctic and alpine tundra, and deserts following spring or summer rains.

Although the best way to see butterflies and moths is to visit places where human settlement has not greatly disrupted native habitats, the insects are also present in urban settings such as city parks, gardens, and vacant lots. Some gardeners plant flowers, herbs, and shrubs to attract colorful butterflies of a great variety of species.