The Evolutionary Origins of Butterflies Unveiled in New Study.

A new study suggests that butterflies likely originated in western North America or Central America around 100 million years ago, after splitting from moths. Butterflies first evolved from moths when they began feeding on the nectar of new species of flowering plants usually available during the day. The findings shed light on the origins of this remarkable group of insects that now populate the globe with 19,000 different species. The research team worked with close to 90 colleagues from six continents to collect DNA from all kinds of butterflies to piece together the butterfly family tree.