A demographic and ecological study of an Italian population of Polyommatus ripartii: the ESU Polyommatus exuberans

Author:

Parile Enrico,Piccini IreneORCID,Bonelli Simona

Abstract

Abstract Polyommatus exuberans is an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the lycaenid butterfly Polyommatus ripartii. This ESU is known to survive at only two sites in the Susa Valley (NW Italy). Lack of correct management, reforestation and frequent wildfires severely threaten this ESU (listed as endangered species in the most recent IUCN Italian Red List). Although the taxonomic rank of this taxon is still debated, current threats could cause extinction of its two remaining populations before its taxonomic rank and its ecology are clarified. We collected data for the first time on this population at the small site of Mompantero (ab. 10 ha). We used butterfly GPS-positioning and the mark-release-recapture (MRR)-method to estimate its population size (269 individuals), sex-ratio (1.36 M/F), lifespan (4.76 days), density (47/ha) and mobility (median 153 and 33 m for males and females, respectively). Both sexes are equally catchable. Catchability increases around midday and decreases during overcast weather. While the size and density of this small population are comparable to those of other endemic Polyommatus species (such as P. humedasae and P. gennargenti), scarce mobility makes its populations isolated and even more seriously threatened. Implications for insect conservation We suggest that implementing an active management plan, including mowing before July and/or in autumn, and supporting ant diversity, is of immediate importance. Management should be extended to road verges, where the larval host plant (Onobrychis sp.) is abundant, and would thus also serve as corridors to favour dispersion between sites. Our research is the first study to investigate this taxon, thus shedding some light on the ecological and biological aspects that are crucial for long-term survival.

Funder

Università degli Studi di Torino

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Subject

Insect Science,Nature and Landscape Conservation,Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology

Reference102 articles.

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3