Abstract: The Dulong River is located in the core area of the Hengduan Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot, yet its butterfly diversity lacks systematic research. To investigate the butterfly community structure and indicator species across different land use types, this study selected forest land, cultivated land, and construction land, employing the point sampling method for surveys. The results showed: A total of 4,805 individual butterflies were recorded, belonging to 142 species, 88 genera, and 6 families, with Nymphalidae (40 genera, 71 species) being the dominant group. Butterfly community structures differed significantly among land use types. Forest land exhibited the highest diversity, while cultivated land had the lowest. Indicator species were identified: Forest land indicators (Troides aeacus, Byasa latreillei and Parantica melaneus), cultivated land indicator (Colias fieldii), and construction land indicators (Sovia fangi and Athyma orientalis). This study reveals the characteristics of butterfly diversity in the valley part of Dulongjiang and summarizes a research methodology for butterfly indicator species, providing a scientific basis for regional biodiversity conservation.