DISTRIBUTION AND THREATS OF PHENGARIS TELEIUS (LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE) IN NORTHERN SERBIA

Popović, Miloš and Radaković, Miloš and Đurđević, Aca and Franeta, Filip and Verovnik, Rudi (2014) DISTRIBUTION AND THREATS OF PHENGARIS TELEIUS (LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE) IN NORTHERN SERBIA. ACTA ZOOLOGICA HUNGARICA, 60 (2). pp. 173-183. ISSN 0236-7130

Preview

Text ActaZH_2014_Vol_60_2_173.pdf Download (668kB) | Preview

Abstract

The paper provides an overview on the distribution of recently discovered Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris (Maculinea) teleius) in northern Serbia (Selevenj Sands, Ludaš Lake and Subotica Sands). Mapping of the butterfly and its habitat has shown that most of the suitable habitats are limited to protected areas where at least some of the wet meadows with Sanguisorba officinalis host plant are suitably managed and regularly mown. Given the known maximum dispersal distances of P. teleius, the suitable habitat patches possibly support two separate meta-populations. Fragmentation and isolation of remaining colonies represent the main threats to long term survival of the species in Serbia. Based on IUCN criteria for regional red lists, the species qualifies as Endangered (EN) in Serbia and requires immediate conservation actions. Our results suggest that mowing is of high importance for maintaining suitable habitat. Until more is known about local ecological requirements of the species, general mowing recommendations should be followed with avoidance of mowing between mid June and mid September and providing a mosaic of different mowing regimes.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item