There are many types of butterflies and closely related insects. In fact, about seven percent of all life forms on Earth are members of the Order Lepidoptera, including butterflies, skippers and moths.
Of the thousands of butterfly species worldwide, the East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa counties) hosts about 100 species. Most of these are regular visitors, although a few are associated with unique conditions of soil and water, and almost all require a few simple things: