International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 34-41 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 35 The ecological distribution of butterflies is extensive and widespread worldwide, with the presence of butterflies in almost every ecosystem, from polar regions to tropical rainforests (Delpon et al., 2019). They can be found in continents, islands, and various habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, etc. The widespread distribution of butterflies provides multiple ecological backgrounds for studying the relationship between genetic diversity and habitat preferences. 2.2 The life cycle and behavioral characteristics of butterflies The life cycle of butterflies undergoes four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult (Lindestad et al., 2022). Eggs are the earliest stage of life, usually laid by adults and attached to the host plant. Larvae is the herbivorous stage of butterflies, which accumulate energy by eating leaves and gradually grow after several molts. Then, the larvae enter the pupal stage and undergo comprehensive physical changes within the pupa, ultimately becoming winged adults. Adults are the stage of reproduction and flight, playing an important role in finding food, partners, and suitable habitats. The behavioral characteristics of butterflies play an important role in their lifecycle and are closely related to habitat preferences (Attiwilli et al., 2022). Different types of butterflies have different flying habits, some are strong flyers, and some are more inclined to hover or glide. These flight habits are related to their distribution in their habitats and their strategies for finding food. Butterflies feed on pollen, nectar, fruits, or decaying matter, and their feeding habits have a significant impact on plant pollination and the health of plant ecosystems. The breeding behavior of butterflies includes finding suitable host plants, laying eggs, and caring for larvae. These behaviors are related to the availability of habitats and plant resources, and are crucial for the success of population reproduction. 3 Study on the Habitat Preference of Butterflies 3.1 Habitat requirements and selection of butterflies Butterflies are unique creatures in the insect kingdom, and their habitat needs and choices play a crucial role in their survival, reproduction, and adaptability. There are significant differences in the habitat needs of different types of butterflies, including factors such as plant species, climate conditions, and altitude (Shang et al., 2020). The life cycle of butterflies is complex, from eggs, larvae, pupae to adults, each stage has different needs for specific habitat conditions. Vanessa indica Herbst is a famous butterfly whose habitat needs involve specific host plants, mainly naturally released milkweed. These plants are the only food source for the larvae of the red butterfly, so the red butterfly is very sensitive to the availability of these plants. They also undergo large-scale seasonal migration on the North American continent, requiring suitable climatic conditions to reproduce and survive the winter. Butterflies usually prioritize host plants that are suitable for their larvae in habitat selection. These plants not only provide food, but also provide spawning sites for their eggs (Li et al., 2019). Butterflies also have certain preferences for sunlight, temperature, and humidity. Some butterflies tend to inhabit open grasslands, while others may be more adapted to the environment within the forest. The Pontia daplidice Linnaeus is a butterfly that prefers open grasslands, and its habitat selection typically involves grasslands and herbaceous plants. They have a high preference for sunny areas, which makes them more active in bright weather. The larvae of the cloud spotted butterfly also rely heavily on certain leguminous plants as host plants, which further affects their habitat selection. Habitat selection not only depends on the biological characteristics of individual butterflies, but also is influenced by competition and predator pressure. In situations where resources are limited, butterflies may need to compete with other species to obtain sufficient food and habitat. In addition, the availability and stability of habitats can also affect the selection of butterflies (Shang et al., 2020). Some butterflies may prefer stable habitats, while others may be more adaptable to seasonal changes.
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