Species of the Papilionidae, Pieridae, and Nymphalidae families of Lepidoptera were inventoried, diversity of habitats of the core area of the ecological reserve “El Tisey-La Estanzuela” (natural protected area) of Nicaragua was analyzed, and butterfly food guilds and efficiency of collection methods were determined. The study was at 11 sites: Bosque Pino Santa Rosa, Bosque Mixto Napoleón, Bosque Ripario, Café Almaciguera, Café Jalacate, Camino, Potrero Zontul, Potrero Cerro Tisey, Potrero Las Brisas, Roble Amarillo Cuchilla, and Roble Amarillo Zontul. Each habitat was systematically sampled using two collection methods (insect net and baited trap) once per week for 4 months (November 2014 to February 2015). An insect net was used with non-linear and linear transects and a trap was baited to attract butterflies for sampling. In total, 2,516 specimens in 18 subfamilies, 59 genera, 93 species, and 22 subspecies were collected. Adelpha paroeca paroeca Bates (Limenitinae), Diaethria pandama Doubleday (Eurytelinae), and Vanessa cardui L. (Nymphalinae) of the Nymphalidae family and Heraclides paeon thrason C. & R. Felder (Papilioninae) of the Papilionidae family were recorded for the first time in Nicaragua. The most abundant species were Hermeuptychia hermes Fabricius, Anartia fatima Fabricius, Heliconius charithonius L., Eurema salome jamapa Reakirt, and Eunica monima Stoll. Low richness and high species equity were recorded at “Bosque Mixto Napoleón” and “Roble Amarillo-Cuchilla”, while other habitats had high richness with low equity. The Potrero Cerro Tisey habitat had the greatest species equity. H. hermes was in 11 environments, and Camino and Potrero Zontul habitats had the greatest similarity of species. Basic information on biological diversity allows efforts to be focused on conserving species.