ABSTRACT
Butterflies serve as vital bioindicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental variables and close dependence on host and nectar plants. This study was conducted in Creswell, UK, from March to May 2023 to investigate butterfly diversity and their interactions with local flora, focusing on the role of plant phytochemicals in shaping butterfly behavior and life cycles. Employing line transect and quadrat sampling across heterogeneous habitats, over 100 plant taxa and 15 butterfly species were documented. Key phytochemical groups—including glucosinolates, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids—were linked to butterfly oviposition preferences, larval feeding, and adult nectar foraging. Specialist butterflies such as Anthocharis cardamines (Orange Tip) demonstrated selective oviposition on glucosinolate-rich Brassicaceae, while generalist species utilized diverse nectar sources rich in flavonoids and other secondary metabolites. The presence of invasive species like Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) highlighted potential disruptions in butterfly-plant interactions. Additionally, microhabitat features supported by bryophytes and fungi contributed to butterfly life stage requirements. This integrated ecological and chemical analysis enhances understanding of butterfly-plant relationships in temperate landscapes, providing essential insights for conservation management in Creswell and similar habitats.
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