engleski

Ecology and conservation of two large blue butterflies in Croatia

Butterflies of genus Phengaris are parasites within nests of red Myrmica ants. Due to their specific life-cycle and habitat loss, they are highly endangered throughout Europe. The aim of this study was to define the distribution and key factors affecting the abundance of two highly endangered large blue butterflies, Phengaris telejus and Phengaris nausithous in Croatia. They often occur in sympatry and have similar habitat requirements. In Croatia P. teleius is more widespread and abundant than P. nausithous. For understanding their ecology more data is needed on population biology and microhabitat preferences of both species. Adult butterfly and caterpillar numbers, food-plant, ant community and different abiotic factors including soil chemistry were studied within the protected landscape Bedekovićeve grabe near Čakovec, northern Croatia. It has been concluded that populations of both species are stable within the site, but low mobility and bad management could reduce the effective population size. Habitat management should focus on the maintenance of different microhabitats that hold both species and resources, demanding some flexibility in mowing regimes.

Phengaris; Croatia; population dynamics

nije evidentirano