Butterfly distribution and abundance is affected by variation in the Swedish forest-farmland landscape

► We evaluated the importance of four habitats for butterflies. ► Species composition differed in pastures, power-lines, road verges and clear-cuts. ► There were more species and individuals in power-lines than in the other habitats. ► Species with poor mobility were more abundant in forested landscapes. ► Species flying early and associated with dwarf shrubs were common in power-lines.