The order Lepidoptera is a good tool for conservation biology, as it is sensitive to environmental variations. They also play an important role in many pollination processes and make up important trophic levels in the food chain.

They are important in ecosystems due to their interactions with vegetation and fauna. The aim of this study was to determine the families of butterflies (Lepidoptera) in Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) along the BR-116 motorway, from Mafra to Papanduva, SC.

Collections took place from March to September, with a sampling effort of 27 hours. A total of 138 individuals belonging to ten families were recorded.

It was observed that APP km 031 + 815 showed the greatest diversity, with seven families (Acracidae, Danaidae, Heliconidae, Morphoidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Satyridae). The APPs km 026 + 780 and km 061 + 925 had the lowest diversity, with only one family recorded (Saturidae).

In the APPs surveyed there were butterflies from the families Acracidae, Danaidae, Hesperiidae, Heliconidae, Lycaenidae, Morphoidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Riodinidae and Satyridae. .