Approximately 2,000 species of butterflies and moths, members of the insect Order Lepidoptera , are found in Illinois. It is a very important group economically because of its association with plants. In their caterpillar stage butterflies and moths eat plant parts and in their adult stage pollinate flowers. These insects are food resources for many birds, mammals, and other arthropods .
Numerous species serve as indirect indicators of habitat quality.
For example, if the plant species upon which they depend are becoming scarce, these insects may also become fewer in number. Moths and butterflies are not shown in equal proportion to actual size. American snout, Libytheana carinenta 2. American painted lady, Vanessa cardui 17. 23. pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor 24.