Several spectacular species of butterfly are found in the mountain ranges of north and northwest Thailand, near Chiang Rai, Pai, Mae hong Son, and in the national park northwest of Chiang Mai. In the cultivated zones, ricefields and rubber plantations, few species have survived the process of deforestation. The entire zone from Lampang to Chiang Mai is undergoing reforestation but the plant species being used do not prouce a habitat favorable to the reestablishment of butterfly species. Certain “cosmopolitan” species of butterfly can travel for miles cross oceans. The first explorers to arrive in Siam Found several well-known European, African and North American species.
Northern of Thailand
Butterflies and Moths
1. Doi inthanon, highest point in Thailand (8,547 feet), poor soil and cold climate where small mountain butterflies are found.
2. Chedi (6,600-8,250 feet), few cultivated areas and little highland forests. Habitat of small butterflies.
3. Chiang Mai plains, pierides and swallow-tail butterflies.
4 Mae Chaem, cultivated valley (1,580 feet) with a wide range of butterflies within the low vegetation.
5. Mae Suring rain forest (330-4,950 feet), privileged home to the most beautiful specimens in Thailand.
6. Khun Yuan (1,650-3,300 feet), a zone where rain forest butterflies live side by side with the samll valley species.