Read about related Lepidoptera by using the "Forward" and "Backward" device icons. The butterfly members of this Order of insects include the popular and usually colorful species. Butterfly groups include monarchs, satyrs, dagerwings, leaf-wings, owls, buckeyes, admirals, checkerspots, crecents, fritillaries, heliconids, riodinids, blues, hairstreaks, coppers, whites, orange-tips, sulphurs and swallowtails.

Riodinid Butterfly Rettus periander Lepidoptera Riodinidae This Riodinid butterfly shows the underside of the Brazilian Rettus species. A small patch of sunlight blessed the spot which attracted this showoff species deep within the forest. Many butterfly species spend their time in search of minerals. Because of the tremendous volume and diversity of organic material in a tropical rain forest, minerals are at a premium and rely on the rapid recycling of organic material. Rain forests are fragile environment because the minerals needed for life are usually based on a shallow band of top soil which can easily be damaged by erosion. View the Index of Orders View Complete Photo List Ants, Bees & Wasps Butterflies & Moths Flies Beetles Lacewings & Antlions Leafhoppers & Cicadas True Bugs Cockroaches Praying Mantids Grasshoppers, Crickets Walking Sticks Dragonflies & Damselflies Mayflies Non-Insects