Restoration age, distance from reference ecosystems, and host plant feeding guilds shape the diversity of frugivorous butterflies in ecological restoration areas in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract Introduction The fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest has caused severe biodiversity loss. In Paraná State, more than 96% of the original vegetation, predominantly semideciduous seasonal forest, has been degraded. Ecological restoration is a key strategy to reverse this scenario, aiming to recover environmental conditions equivalent to the original ones. Assessing biological community responses is essential to evaluate restoration success. In this context butterflies (Lepidoptera) are valuable indicators due to their rapid reproduction, close association with plant resources, and high sensitivity to environmental changes. Objectives We compared the community of frugivorous butterflies in two areas with different methods and ages of ecological restoration and in a remnant of semideciduous seasonal forest used as a reference ecosystem, in Ibicatu State Park, Paraná, to understand how species diversity and composition respond to restoration. Methods Sampling was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024 using Van Someren‐Rydon baited traps for capturing frugivorous butterflies. Results The reference ecosystem showed higher species richness and abundance. Beta‐diversity analyses indicated that restoration age influenced community composition more than the restoration method, and distance from the reference ecosystem significantly affected species richness. Larval feeding guild analyses revealed that butterflies associated with trees and shrubs were the most sensitive and responsive to habitat quality and restoration stage, while those associated with grasses, lianas, and other monocotyledons were more tolerant of different habitat conditions. Conclusion These findings emphasize that frugivorous butterfly communities respond to restoration age and host plant availability, highlighting the importance of proximity to preserved remnants, host plant diversity and long‐term monitoring, in ensuring successful ecological restoration.