Butterflies and other Lepidoptera are exposed to insecticides and herbicides that reduce population welfare directly and through destruction of larval food plants.
Butterfly welfare is affected at both individual and population levels by pesticide exposure. Sub-lethal insecticide exposure impairs navigation, learning, and feeding behaviour that reduces individual welfare and reproductive success. Population declines from habitat loss and pesticide exposure reduce the welfare of remaining individuals through reduced mate availability. Reducing pesticide use in agricultural and garden settings directly benefits butterfly welfare.