Butterflies and moths are important pollinators. However, many species of butterflies and moths have been declining, partially due to loss of migratory and nectar corridors. Over 200 species of butterflies and moths undergo some type of migration, and the loss of appropriate habitat the distance of the migration routes has led to declining populations. Attempts to reverse this trend are being made by local jurisdictions, conservation organizations, and federal agencies.

Compared to bees, butterflies and moths are often less efficient at transferring pollen between plants because frequently pollen does not stick to their bodies and they lack specialized structures for collecting pollen. Butterflies and moths probe for nectar and prefer flat clustered flowers that they can use as a landing pad.

Butterflies and moths are members of the order Lepidoptera.  Butterflies differ from moths in several aspects: butterflies fly during the day, possess clubbed antennae, are brightly colored, and lack a frenulum (a wing coupling mechanism common in moths) (Reference: What are the differences between butterflies and moths?, Australian Museum).

Please browse this section to learn more about hawk moths, butterfly and moth identification, butterfly- and moth-plant associations, and yucca moths.

Visit the Butterflies and Moths of North America database! You can find occurrence maps, species accounts, checklists, and photographs of butterflies and moths, and much more in this online searchable database hosted and maintained by the Big Sky Institute at Montana State University and the NBII Mountain Prairie Information Node.

Check out the Children's Butterfly Site that is also maintained by the NBII Mountain Prairie Information Node and hosted by the Big Sky Institute at Montana State University. On this site, children can find all kinds of ' neat stuff ' to do and learn about butterflies - like coloring pages, the butterfly life cycle, a photograph gallery, books, videos, and much more!