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Effects of local and landscape factors on the abundance of an endangered multivoltine butterfly at riverbanks
Author(s) -
Zhang Xin,
Miyashita Tadashi
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
entomological science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1479-8298
pISSN - 1343-8786
DOI - 10.1111/ens.12291
Subject(s) - butterfly , habitat , biology , ecology , endangered species , biological dispersal , abundance (ecology) , habitat fragmentation , voltinism , species richness , grassland , threatened species , population , demography , sociology , larva
Plebejus argyrognomon is one of the grassland‐dwelling butterflies undergoing rapid decline in recent decades. Grassland habitats for butterflies are generally threatened by fragmentation and invasive species, hence are among the most vulnerable ecosystems. We studied the seasonal abundance of P. argyrognomon at habitat patches along the banks of the K inugawa R iver in eastern J apan, to identify environmental factors suitable for population persistence of this species, including habitat patch connectivity. Results showed that the patch's host plant cover had a positive effect on abundance in all three seasons, while the shading of the host plants by surrounding non‐host plants and nearby forested area showed negative effects. Additionally, habitat patch connectivity and nectar richness could be considered as positive factors in autumn and summer, respectively. Analysis of habitat connectivity also showed that the K inugawa R iver did not appear to act as a dispersal barrier for P. argyrognomon . Our findings emphasize the importance of understanding environmental factors that may vary among seasons, and such understanding could contribute to habitat management of multivoltine butterflies in fragmented landscapes.