The Effects of Edge Proximity on Butterfly Biodiversity

The edges between neighboring habitats have long been recognized for their ecological

importance. The effects edges have on biota vary greatly with the physical

structure and microclimate of the edge itself. The effects of edges may extend beyond the

physical edge, altering the microclimate for some distance into the neighboring habitats. While

there have been many studies on edge effects, most focus on how the abundance or behavior of

individual species are affected; few focus on biodiversity in relation to edges, and even fewer

involve invertebrates. Here I performed a correlative study observing the changes in the

biodiversity of butterflies due to proximity to habitat edges and variations in microclimate

conditions. Although results of this study indicate little support for a relationship between

distance and diversity, this study indicated interactions between butterfly diversity and

microclimate conditions. In this case, microclimate variables such as light and temperature

related to butterfly diversity, however these relationships changed depending on the environment

and habitat structure. This study provides insight into butterfly activity patterns and has

important implications for future butterfly conservation strategies.