Insect life is abundant at Chiricahua National Monument. Often overlooked, they can be found just about everywhere in the monument - on the rocks, on the trees, in the leaf litter underfoot, as well as flying in the air. Butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers are abundant during the summer and fall months, as well as numerous kinds of ants, spiders, beetles, and other insect life. Because of the relatively mild climate and the summer monsoon moisture, insects thrive here, utilizing the long growing season to harvest pollen from flowering plants and feeding on green plant material. Aquatic insects are also abundant in the springs and rock pools. Insects provide food for many other animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. They are also important pollinators for most of the flowering plants. Hundreds of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates occur in the monument and play an important role in the ecosystem. Check out our species list to discover more invertebrates that call Chiricahua home.