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New Records for Four Butterfly Species (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea & Hesperioidea) in the Republic of Macedonia

  • January 2014
Authors:
Dime Melovski at Macedonian Ecological Society
Dime Melovski
Emilija Bozhinovska at Goce Delcev University of Štip
Emilija Bozhinovska
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Abstract and Figures

The Macedonian butterfly fauna numbers 205 species. In this paper we record Nymphalis vaualbum for the first time and confirm the presence in Macedonia of the so-far omitted Polyommatus aroaniensis. Furthermore, the second locality in the country of the Carterocephalus palaemon is reported, along with new localities of Papilio alexanor. The findings of this work will contribute both towards the increased knowledge of this insect group in the region as well as the conservational efforts to locate and map rare and endemic butterfly species. Keywords: Macedonian butterfly fauna, new records, Nymphalis vaualbum, Polyommatus aroaniensis, Cartarocephalus palaemon, Papilio alexanor.
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Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online)
Vol.4, No.7, 2014
40
New Records for Four Butterfly Species (Lepidoptera:
Papilionoidea & Hesperioidea) in the Republic of Macedonia
Dime Melovski
1*
,Emilija Bozhinovsk
2
1. Macedonian Ecological Society, Arhimedova 5, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
2. Biology Students’ Research Society, Arhimedova 5, Skopje, Macedonia
* E-mail of the corresponding author: melovskid@mes.org.mk
Abstract
The Macedonian butterfly fauna numbers 205 species. In this paper we record Nymphalis vaualbum for the first
time and confirm the presence in Macedonia of the so-far omitted Polyommatus aroaniensis. Furthermore, the
second locality in the country of the Carterocephalus palaemon is reported, along with new localities of Papilio
alexanor. The findings of this work will contribute both towards the increased knowledge of this insect group in
the region as well as the conservational efforts to locate and map rare and endemic butterfly species.
Keywords: Macedonian butterfly fauna, new records, Nymphalis vaualbum, Polyommatus aroaniensis,
Cartarocephalus palaemon, Papilio alexanor.
1. Introduction
Butterflies are one of the exceptional groups of insect that are well studied in the Republic of Macedonia. An
overview of the collected knowledge on the Macedonian butterfly fauna is provided by Rebel (1913), Alberti
(1922), Thurner (1964) and Scheider and Jaksic (1989). In recent years, several publications updated the list of
butterfly species in Macedonia (Kolev & Van der Porten, 1997; Krpač and Mihajlova, 1997; Melovski, 2004;
Verovnik & Micevski, 2008; Micevski et al., 2009a; Verovnik et al., 2010), as well as contributed towards the
faunistic records of certain regions in the country (Jakšić, 1998; Melovski, 2003, 2010; Melovski et al., 2004;
Micevski et al. 2009b; Huemer et al., 2011; Krpač et al., 2011; Arsovski et al., 2012; Abdija et al. 2013a, 2013b,
2013c). On the European continent, the butterfly fauna of Macedonia is one of the most diverse, with a total of
205 published species, i.e. more than 40% of the European butterfly fauna. This high butterfly diversity in a
comparatively small European country is mostly due to its geographical position; providing the most southern
occurrence of typical European species and being the northern border of Mediterranean species. Macedonia is
also home to several Balkan endemics. Furthermore, the predominantly mountainous relief of the country, with
several high mountain ranges and steep gorges, provides microclimatic conditions for species whose range in
Europe is very limited (Verovnik, 2012). Several species with a distribution range close to the Macedonian
territory are also expected to be found, which implies that more research is needed in order to increase the
general knowledge of this insect group in the country.
The aim of this paper is to present new findings regarding four relatively rare butterfly species: the False Comma
Nymphalis vaualbum (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), recorded for the first time in the Macedonian butterfly
fauna; new localities and confirmations for the Grecian Anomalous Blue Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus)
aroaniensis (Brown ,1976), the Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas, 1771) and the Southern
Swallowtail Papilio alexanor Esper, 1800.
2. Materials and methods
The research was carried out within the framework of the Biology Students’ Research Society research camps in
the following regions: Mt. Shar Planina and Mariovo. Collected specimens are conserved in the private
collection of the first author.
We used entomological nets for collecting butterfly specimens, which we conserved inside paper envelopes.
Date, location/site, habitat and altitude were stated for each butterfly specimen. Easily recognisable butterfly
specimens were recorded and freed. The rest of the specimens were conserved and subjected to further analyses.
Determination was conducted according to various publications (Popović & Ðurić, 2011, Lafranchis, 2004;
Tolman & Lewington 1997; Pamperis, 1997; Schaider and Jaksic, 1989, and personal communication between
colleagues (Beshkov pers. com.). The nomenclature in this paper is in accordance with Fauna Europaea
(http://www.faunaeur.org).
3. Results
We carried out the research in July 2009 on Mt. Shar Planina, and in May 2008 and July 2012 for the region of
Mariovo. In May 2013, a one-day field trip was organized in the Radusha region, close to Skopje, where we
observed a small colony of the Southern Swallowtail (Fig. 1). In total, we collected one specimen of the False
Comma, six Grecian Anomalous Blue and three Chequered Skipper. The Southern Swallowtail was
Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online)
Vol.4, No.7, 2014
41
photographed in its original habitat (Fig. 2). In the following text we give a detailed review of the four species
targeted in our study:
Figure 1. Map of the investigated area.
Figure 2. The southern swallowtail (Papilio alexanor) resting on Euphorbia glabriflora (Vis.). Photo by Slavcho
Hristovski.
3.1 False Comma Nymphalis vaualbum (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775)
Mt. Shar Planina, Dolna Leshnica, 1500 m, clearing in a beech forest, 14.07.2009, leg. E. Bozhinovska (coll. D.
Melovski).
The False Comma is a holarctic butterfly that ranges from Eastern Europe across Russia to China, Korea and
Japan, as well as from Alaska and Labrador, south to West Virginia and Utah (Gillham 1956, van Swaay et al.
2010). In Eastern Europe it occurs in deciduous or mixed woodlands of the lowlands, but it also prefers damp
woods and is found in clearings or at the forest edges. It is a mobile butterfly and a strong migrant
(http://eol.org/pages/164189/details). The False Comma has one generation a year and because it hibernates as a
butterfly, can be seen for much of the year (van Swaay et al. 2010).
In 2009 this butterfly was recorded for the first time In Macedonia on Mt. Shar Planina (Fig. 1). We collected
one specimen in a beech woodland clearing, at an altitude of 1500 m. Because there are no other official finding
records of this species in the Macedonian fauna, and because of its migratory behaviour, it is difficult to
ascertain whether populations are permanent or temporary in Macedonia. Follow up research in the same region
in August 2009 and July 2010 revealed no further evidence of its presence.
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ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online)
Vol.4, No.7, 2014
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3.2 Grecian Anomalous Blue Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) aroaniensis (Brown 1976)
Mariovo, v. Polchishte, 1000 m, mountain stream, 14.07.2012, 3 ♂, leg. D. Melovski (coll. D. Melovski).
Mariovo, river Satoka, 700 m, riparian habitat, 11.07.2012, 2 ♂/1♀, leg. D. Melovski & E. Bozhinovska (coll. D.
Melovski).
The Grecian Anomalous Blue is a Balkan endemic. It is native to the mountains of the north, west and south of
Greece. It is also found in southern Bulgaria (where it is rare) (van Swaay et al. 2010) and southern Macedonia
(Lafrancis 2004, Kolev & Van der Porten, 1997). Found at altitudes from 400-2,000 m, mostly below 1,500 m,
this butterfly prefers dry grassland and scrub, rocky slopes and also woodland rides or forest clearings.
Although omitted in most of Europe’s field guides and Macedonian checklists, this species was reported for the
first time for the Macedonian butterfly fauna by Kolev & Van der Porten (1997). In this study we give detailed
data on its location and habitat.
During our research, this butterfly was recorded on riparian habitats in Mariovo region, southern Macedonia (Fig.
2). At one of the localities (River Satoka) this species was observed to be sympatric with other species of the
same complex: Polyommatus admetus and Polyommatus ripartii. In total, we have collected six specimens (5 ♂
& 1 ♀), at altitudes of 700 and 1,000 m. The specimens were determined using the Lafranchis (2004)
identification keys, while photos were sent to Bulgarian colleagues for further clarification (Stoyan Beshkov pers.
com.). All except for one specimens lack the white stripe of the underside hindwing, which is one of the
morphological characteristics that can be observed in almost half of the specimens in a population (Kolev & Van
der Porten, 1997).
3.3 Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas 1771)
Mariovo, v. Beshishte, 720 m, mountain stream, 18.05.2008, 2♂/1♀, leg. D. Melovski (coll. D. Melovski).
The Chequered Skipper is widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia, reaching Japan. It also occurs in
North America up to Alaska (http://eol.org/pages/164189/details). The species occurs on grassy, woodland
clearings, often in damp places (Tolman & Lewington, 1997). In our study, we collected three specimens (2 ♂ &
1 ♀) of this butterfly near the village of Beshishte, in the Mariovo region (Fig. 2). The specimens were caught in
open habitat, near a stream at an altitude of 720 m. Taking into account the fact that this species is present in all
the neighbouring countries (Lafranchis, 2004; Verovnik & Popović, 2013), it is not surprising that it was
recorded in Macedonia. The species was previously published by Verovnik & Micevski (2008) based on field
observations from the northern part of Macedonia. Nevertheless, more detailed research is needed in other parts
of the country in order to establish a more accurate distribution range of this species.
3.4 Southern Swallowtail Papilio alexanor Esper, 1800
Skopje, 5km SW of Radusha, Orljak hill, 450m, clearing in degraded oak forest (Querco-Carpinetum orientalis),
17.05.2013. Observed and photographed by Lj. Melovski and S. Hristovski.
It is distributed in southern Europe, in the Middle East through to Iran and Afghanistan. In Europe it is native to
Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, France, Greece and Italy (http://www.faunaeur.org). The Southern
Swallowtail is mostly found on warm, dry, calcareous slopes with flower-rich vegetation and low-growing
bushes. They prefer slopes that are steep and rocky (van Swaay et al. 2010).
In our study a small colony of this butterfly was found 15 km northwest of Skopje, in a clearing in a degraded
oak forest at an altitude of 450 m (Fig. 1). This finding represents the third finding of this species in Macedonia
(Scheider & Jakšić, 1989). Taking into account the vicinity of the closest already known colony of this species in
Macedonia (Kozjak Mt. at around 20 km distance from the new locality) and the fact that this species was never
recorded at the presented locality, a possible spread of the distribution range can be expected further north.
4. Discussion and conclusion
The total number of butterfly species in Macedonia is a debated issue. While some species like Melitaea telona
(Melitaea phoebe f. punica) and Polyommatus eroides (lately regarded as subspecies of Polyommatus eros) are
subject to differences of opinion regarding their taxonomic status (Tolman & Lewington 1997; Hesselbarth et
al.,1995, Abadjiev 1995, 2000, 2001; Vodolazhsky et al., 2009), others, such as Nymphalis vaualbum and
Pseudochazara graeca (Anastassiu et al., 2009) as well as Plebejus dardanus (Verovnik, 2012), have an
uncertain residence status or were recorded with questionable observations in the past.
The Grecian Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus aroaniensis) has never been part of the species list of Schaider &
Jakšić (1989) for the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. Nevertheless, P. aroaniensis in Macedonia was
published by Lafranchis (2004) and Kolev & Van der Porten (1997). The latter reported on the sympatric
presence of another Agrodiaetus species of the same complex – Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) pelopi (regarded as
synonym to Polyommatus ripartii) in the territory of Macedonia.
The list of Schaider and Jaksic (1989), which counted 198 species, was amended with seven more species in
recent years: Gonepteryx cleopatra (Krpač & Mihajlova 1997), Polyommatus aroaniensis (Kolev & Van der
Porten 1997), Araschnia levana (Melovski 2004), Carterocephalus palaemon (Verovnik & Micevski 2008),
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Melitaea aurelia (Micevski et al., 2009a), Melitaea telona (Verovnik et al. 2010), Nymphalis vaualbum (this
paper). Thus, the total number of butterfly species in Macedonia at the present moment is 205.
However, five more species are listed for Macedonia in Fauna Europaea: Apatura metis, Pyronia cecilia,
Hipparchia semele, Lycaena thetis and Colias hyale, with no further references for their presence.
Admittedly, the constant presence of the False Comma is doubtful. More research is needed in order to confirm
its true distribution status and the possible establishment of a colony in Macedonia as the most southern territory
of its distribution.
The huge diversity of butterflies in Macedonia is not just due to the country’s geographical position, but also to
its relatively preserved habitats and extensive agricultural system. Alongside its neighbouring countries, (196
species published for Albania (Verovnik et al. 2013), 197 for Serbia (Popović & Ðurić, 2011), 216 for Bulgaria
(Abadjiev, 2001) and 232 for Greece (Pamperis, 1997)), Macedonia, with 205 species, is another example of the
rich butterfly diversity of the Balkans. However, the complete checklist of the country is far from finished and
this is especially true for its south-eastern part where species such as: Pseudochazara amymone, P. orestes,
Pyronia cecilia, Lycaena thetis, Chilades trochylus, Leptidea morsei, Polyommatus nephohiptamenos and Colias
aurorina are to be expected.
Following this direction, future research of this insect group should focus on the endangered (both on a country
and on a European scale) and endemic butterfly species in order to investigate their threats and stop possible
decline. Moreover, a lot less has been done in Macedonia for the research of the moths. Missing knowledge on
their distribution and abundance is a first priority on the future research of the Lepidoptera order.
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... This wide range of climatic types resulted in extremely diverse invertebrate fauna in the country with a relatively small total area (Hristovski et al. 2015). With 205 butterfly species recorded up to date (Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014), it is definitively one of the hotspots of butterfly diversity in Europe. ...
... In 1989, a distribution atlas of the butterflies of Yugoslav Macedonia followed (Schaider & Jakšić 1989), but its reliability is questionable due to lack of record traceability and inclusion of doubtful and imprecise data. In the last two decades, the butterfly surveys intensified resulting in a number of new species records for the country (Kolev & van der Poorten 1997, Krpač & Mihajlova 1997, Melovski 2004, Verovnik & Micevski 2008, Micevski et al. 2009a, 2009b, Micevski 2013, Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014. Additionally, several faunistic and species targeted surveys were published providing valuable new information on the distribution of several rare species in the country (Dincă et al. 2010, Franeta et al. 2012, Verovnik 2012, Verovnik et al. 2013, Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014. ...
... In the last two decades, the butterfly surveys intensified resulting in a number of new species records for the country (Kolev & van der Poorten 1997, Krpač & Mihajlova 1997, Melovski 2004, Verovnik & Micevski 2008, Micevski et al. 2009a, 2009b, Micevski 2013, Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014. Additionally, several faunistic and species targeted surveys were published providing valuable new information on the distribution of several rare species in the country (Dincă et al. 2010, Franeta et al. 2012, Verovnik 2012, Verovnik et al. 2013, Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014. Although the published surveys vastly improved the knowledge regarding the distribution of butterflies in Macedonia, most of the recent studies focused on already well surveyed areas like Mt. Galičica , Mt. Baba (Micevski & Micevski 2002/2003 or Mt. ...
Surveys of butterfly and skipper fauna in the southwestern part of the Republic of Macedonia (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea & Hesperioidea)
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  • Nov 2016
Data from four surveys within the last six years were combined in order to improve the knowledge of the butterfly distribution in the Republic of Macedonia. These surveys covered a total of 40 localities, with special emphasis on less sampled areas of the southwestern part of the country. The study yielded recording of 131 species, including several habitat specialist and potentially threatened butterflies. Interesting records for the following species are discussed in detail: Muschampia tessellum, Anthocharis gruneri, Euchloe penia, Tarucus balkanicus, Cupido alcetas, Pseudophilotes bavius, Polyommatus aroaniensis, Polyommatus escheri, Araschnia levana and Melitaea ornata. Ten species observed are considered threatened at the European level and 18 of them at the country level. This proves high conservation value of the studied region with many butterfly rich habitats still preserved. The lack of concerted effort for mapping of butterfly fauna in Macedonia is discussed and priorities for future surveys given. Izvleček. Raziskave favne dnevnih metuljev v jugozahodnem delu Republike Makedonije (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea & Hesperioidea) – Predstavljeni so podatki iz štirih raziskav v zadnjih šestih letih, s katerimi želimo prispevati k boljšemu poznavanju razširjenosti dnevnih metuljev v Republiki Makedoniji. Vzorčili smo na 40 lokacijah, s posebnim poudarkom na popisovanju v manj raziskanih predelih jugozahodnega dela države. Skupno smo zabeležili 131 vrst, med njimi več habitatnih specialistov in potencialno ogroženih metuljev. Podrobneje so predstavljene zanimive najdbe naslednjih vrst: Muschampia tesellum, Anthocharis gruneri, Euchloe penia, Tarucus balkanicus, Cupido alcetas, Pseudophilotes bavius, Polyommatus aroaniensis, Polyommatus escheri, Araschnia levana in Melitaea ornata. Deset opaženih vrst je navedenih kot ogrožene na evropski ravni, 18 vrst pa je vključenih v rdeči seznam na državni ravni. Prisotnost teh vrst dokazuje, da je na območju raziskave še vedno mogoče najti ohranjena življenjska okolja z visoko naravovarstveno vrednostjo in veliko vrstno pestrostjo metuljev. V zaključku razpravljamo o pomanjkanju usklajenih prizadevanj za kartiranje favne dnevnih metuljev v Makedoniji ter postavljamo prednostne naloge za prihodnje raziskave.
... Constant monitoring and research need to be in place in order to detect and mitigate serious threats to the area. Butterflies are group of insects that can well be used as a biological indicator and are relatively well studied in N. Macedonia (Melovski & Bozhinovska, 2014). Although few of the already listed species haven't been registered for decades, taking into consideration the new findings (Kolev & Van der Porten, 1997;Krpač and Mihajlova, 1997;Melovski, 2004;Verovnik & Micevski, 2008;Micevski et al., 2009a;Verovnik et al., 2010), the total number of butterfly species in N. Macedonia almost definitely exceeds 200 species. ...
... Although few of the already listed species haven't been registered for decades, taking into consideration the new findings (Kolev & Van der Porten, 1997;Krpač and Mihajlova, 1997;Melovski, 2004;Verovnik & Micevski, 2008;Micevski et al., 2009a;Verovnik et al., 2010), the total number of butterfly species in N. Macedonia almost definitely exceeds 200 species. While in Europe a total of 482 butterfly species can be found (Van Sway, 2010), N. Macedonia's 40% of the total European fauna is largely assigned to its relief, diverse habitats and climate (Melovski & Bozhinovska, 2014). The last comprehensive butterfly study for N. Macedonia taking into account their distribution was conducted by Shaider and Jakšić (1989). ...
Diversity and distribution of butterflies Lepidoptera, Papilonidea & Hesperoidea in the Prespa region, North Macedonia, Albania and Greece
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2020
Diversity and comparative distribution study of butterflies was conducted in Prespa region on Macedonian, Albanian and Greek side in 2010, 2013 and 2016 respectively. The main aim of this study was to ascertain the realistic state of the butterfly fauna in the Prespa Region. We have registered 119 butterfly species in variety of habitats, from lacustrine emergent wetlands through thermophilous forests to orchards. Detection of the Large Copper (Lycaena dispar), a wetland butterfly that is classified as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List is of [articular importance. The Apollo and the Marsh Fritillary are target species for proclamation of Prime Butterfly Areas across Europe. Significant finding is the recording of Gonepteryx cleopatra at Galichica Mt., for the first time since 1983 (Krpač & Mihajlova, 1997). We compared our butterfly species list with previous studies and discuss the possible negative impacts on butterflies caused by agricultural management and habitat loss
... In van Swaay & Warren (1999) the species is even given a distribution of 5-15 % for Albania but is not mentioned at all in Misja (2005). Verovnik & Popović (2013b) included it in their checklist, probably extrapolating on recent observations in adjacent areas in MAC (Verovnik et al. 2010, Abdija 2013b, Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014 and nearby Podgorica (Sobczyk & Gligorovic 2016) in MNE. It is also present in northern Greece (Pamperis 2009). ...
... Also Misja (2005) did not list N. vaualbum and there is no evidence in the collection of the Natural Sciences Museum of Albania in Tiranë. In 2009 this butterfly was recorded for the first time in MAC from Mt. Shar Planina (Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014) but follow up research in 2009 and 2010 revealed no further evidence of its presence. As this is a strong migrator it is not clear what the meaning of this single observation is. ...
Butterflies of Albania - Fluturat e Shqipërisë. New surveys, new species and a new checklist (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2018
Three new butterfly species were recorded for Albania during two recent surveys: Pyrgus andromedae (Wallengren, 1853), Colias caucasica (Staudinger, 1871) and Leptidea juvernica Williams, 1946. Also Boloria titania (Esper, 1793) is new for the current Albanian territory that had previously been described by Rebel from the historical, larger Albania but situated now in Kosovo. Two data deficient species from the last checklist are confirmed: Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas, 1771) and Hipparchia semele (Linnaeus, 1758). The status of six species is changed from present to data deficient or potential presence because of lacking recent evidence: Pontia chloridice (Hübner, 1813), Satyrium pruni (Linnaeus, 1758), Neptis rivularis (Scopoli, 1763), Euphydryas maturna (Linnaeus, 1758), Coenonympha glycerion (Borkhausen, 1788) and Kirinia climene (Esper, 1783). The geographical distribution for Pseudochazara tisiphone Brown, 1980 is significantly expanded to central Albania. Dot distribution maps are provided for all Albanian butterfly species. In addition to the new data, the available literature is screened, resulting in a mandatory update of the checklist for the Albanian butterflies: 196 species with recent evidence, 4 are data deficient and at least 9 have the potential to be discovered with future surveys. Përmbledhje. 3 lloje të reja fluturash për Shqipërinë janë përcaktuar nga analiza e materialeve të koleksionuara gjatë dy hetimeve shkencore të realizuara së fundmi: Pyrgus andromedae (Wallengren, 1853), Colias caucasica (Staudinger, 1871) dhe Leptidea juvernica Williams, 1946. Gjithashtu edhe Boloria titania (Esper, 1793) është tashmë një lloj i ri për territorin e Shqipërisë pasi më parë ky lloj është raportuar nga Rebel në zonën që sot ndodhet në Republikën e Kosovës. Dy lloje të pakonfirmuara në listën e fundit të paraqitur për fluturat e Shqipërisë: Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas, 1771) dhe Hipparchia semele (Linnaeus, 1758), konfirmohen nga ky studim. Statusi i 6 llojeve të klasifikuara më parë si lloje të mundshme për territorin e Shqipërisë ose si lloje me të dhëna jo të plota (Pontia chloridice (Hübner, 1813), Satyrium pruni (Linnaeus, 1758), Neptis rivularis (Scopoli, 1763), Euphydryas maturna (Linnaeus, 1758), Coenonympha glycerion (Borkhausen, 1788) dhe Kirinia climene (Esper, 1783)) bazuar në të dhënat e këtij studimi tashmë ka ndryshuar. Zona e përhapjes së Pseudochazara tisiphone Brown, 1980, është shtrirë në mënyrë të dukshme edhe në Shqipërinë e mesme. Në këtë punim paraqiten hartat e shpërndarjes të të gjitha llojeve të fluturave të Shqipërisë. Bashkangjitur të dhënave të reja të këtij studimi është paraqitur dhe një analizë e hollësishme e të dhënave të literaturës, që jep si produkt listën e përditësuar të të gjithë fluturave të Shqipërisë. Bazuar në të dhënat e këtij studimi të kryer së fundmi, 196 lloje fluturash referohen për territorin e Shqipërisë, 4 lloje kanë mungesë të dhënash dhe të paktën 9 lloje kanë mundësi të gjenden në studime të ardhshme. Samenvatting. Gedurende twee recente onderzoeken werden drie soorten dagvlinders ontdekt die nieuw zijn voor Albanië: Pyrgus andromedae (Wallengren, 1853), Colias caucasica (Staudinger, 1871) en Leptidea juvernica Williams, 1946. Ook Boloria titania (Esper, 1793) is nieuw voor het huidige Albanese grondgebied maar werd eerder beschreven uit het voormalige, grotere Albanië dat nu deel uitmaakt van Kosovo. Twee data deficiënte soorten van de laatste checklist worden bevestigd: Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas, 1771) en Hipparchia semele (Linnaeus, 1758). Door het ontbreken van recente evidentie wordt de status van zes soorten veranderd tot data deficiënt of potentieel aanwezig: Pontia chloridice (Hübner, 1813), Satyrium pruni (Linnaeus, 1758), Neptis rivularis (Scopoli, 1763), Euphydryas maturna (Linnaeus, 1758), Coenonympha glycerion (Borkhausen, 1788) en Kirinia climene (Esper, 1783). De geografische verspreiding van Pseudochazara tisiphone Brown, 1980 wordt significant uitgebreid tot centraal Albanië. Er zijn punt-verspreidingskaarten voorzien voor alle Albanese dagvlindersoorten. Naast de nieuwe gegevens wordt de beschikbare literatuur gescreend wat resulteert in een noodzakelijke update van de checklist voor de Albanese dagvlinders. 196 soorten met recent bewijsmateriaal worden in de nieuwe checklist opgenomen, 4 soorten zijn data deficiënt en ten minste 9 andere taxa kunnen bij toekomstig onderzoek worden gevonden.
... However, the species was mentioned before by Murraj (1972) and also van Swaay & Warren (1999) and Verovnik & Popović (2013) included it in their checklist for Albania, probably based on observations in adjacent areas in Republic of Macedonia (Verovnik et al. 2010, Abdija 2013, Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014 and from nearby Podgorica (Zeta-Skadar plain) in the Republic of Montenegro (Sobczyk & Gligorovic 2016). More recent papers also report the presence of S. pruni in Montenegro, but also based on older observations: in the Zeta-Skadar plain (Pietrzak 2021, based on Sobczyk & Gligorovic 2016 and Bar (Franeta 2018, based on Sijarić 1984. ...
Contribution to the butterfly (Rhopalocera) fauna of Albania with confirmation of the presence of the black hairstreak Satyrium pruni (Papilionoidea: Lycaenidae) in the country
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2022
In July 2018 a new expedition was undertaken to explore unknown regions of Albania, including the central Dibër region. On 24.vii.2018, the author observed and collected a worn female of Satyrium pruni (Linnaeus, 1758) (Papilionoidea: Lycaenidae) near Guri i Vashës. Previously, the status of this species had been relegated to data deficient in the last checklist of Albanian butterflies. In this article, a voucher specimen is described, together with the biotope, and the presence of this species in Albania is confirmed. It is expected that more localities will be found, from central up to North Albania, especially when searching in June. Përmbledhje. Në korrik të vitit 2018 një ekspeditë e re u ndërmor me qëllim eksplorimin e rajoneve të panjohura të Shqipërisë përfshirë edhe zonën qëndrore të rrethit të Dibrës. Më datë 24.vii.2018, autori vëzhgoi dhe mblodhi një femër të llojit Satyrium pruni (Linnaeus, 1758) (Papilionoidea: Lycaenidae) pranë Guri i Vashës. Në listën e fundit të kontrollit për faunën e fluturave shqiptare bazuar në studime të mëparshme, statusi i këtij lloji është përshkruar me të dhëna të mangëta. Në këtë artikull konfirmohet prania e llojit për Shqipërinë si dhe përshkruhen të dhëna mbi individin e kampionuar dhe biotopin e tij. Pritet që lloji të gjendet në më shumë lokalitete me shtrirje nga Shqipëria e mesme në zonën veriore të vendit. Koha më e përshtatshme për këto kërkime të arrdhshme është veçanërisht muaji qershor. Samenvatting. In juli 2018 werd een nieuwe expeditie opgezet om onbekende regio's van Albanië te verkennen, waaronder de centrale Dibër regio. Op 24.vii.2018 observeerde en verzamelde de auteur een afgevlogen vrouwtje van Satyrium pruni (Linnaeus, 1758) (Papilionoidea: Lycaenidae) in de buurt van Guri i Vashës. Voorheen werd de status van deze soort gewijzigd naar data deficiënt in de laatste checklist over de Albanese vlinderfauna. In dit artikel wordt het voucher exemplaar en de biotoop beschreven en daarmee de bevestiging van de soort voor Albanië. De verwachting is dat de soort nog op andere plaatsen, vanaf Centraal-tot Noord-Albanië, kan worden gevonden vooral in juni. Résumé. En juillet 2018, une nouvelle expédition a été entreprise pour explorer des régions inconnues d'Albanie, notamment la région centrale de Dibër. Le 24.vii.2018, l'auteur a observé et collecté une femelle usée de Satyrium pruni (Linnaeus, 1758) (Papilionoidea : Lycaenidae) près de Guri i Vashës. Auparavant, le statut de cette espèce avait été relégué aux données insuffisantes dans la dernière liste de contrôle des papillons albanais. Dans cet article, un spécimen de référence ainsi que son biotope sont décrits, et la présence de cette espèce est confirmée en Albanie. On s'attend à ce que davantage de localités soient découvertes, du centre au Nord de l'Albanie, en particulier lors de recherches au mois de juin.
... Fig. 31 Polyommatus aroaniensis has been considered as a relatively widespread species (Kolev and van der Poorten 1997). Apart from its type-locality (South Greece, Peloponnese), it has been recorded in different parts of Central and Northern Greece (Brown 1976a, Wakeham-Dawson and Spurdens 1994, Wakeham-Dawson 1998, Pamperis 2009, from a few areas in south Macedonia van der Poorten 1997, Melovski andBozhinovska 2014) and from some localities in south-west Bulgaria and one isolated place in the central part of the country (Abadjiev 2001, Kolev 1994, Kolev and van der Poorten 1997. Tshikolovets (2011) and Eckweiler and Bozano (2016) show its distribution extending into Albania, although the species has not been recorded from this country in recent surveys (Verovnik and Popović 2013). ...
Combined analysis of chromosomal and molecular markers reveals cryptic species: karyosystematics of the Agrodiaetus Hübner, [1822] blue butterflies
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2018
Butterflies of the subgenus Agrodiaetus Hьbner, 1822, genus Polyommatus Latreille, 1804, are the model system in studies of speciation and karyotype evolution. A unique feature of the subgenus is the highest diversity in chromosome numbers in the animal kingdom. In Agrodiaetus the number of chromosomes is stable within species and differentiated between species, therefore karyotypes are used for species description, delimitation and identification, although there are exceptions. The use of molecular markers provides an additional information for species delimitation. In our research for testing taxonomic hypotheses we used chromosomal markers in combination with the analysis of two genetically unlinked sequences: fragment of mitochondrial gene COI and nuclear spacer ITS2. This approach resulted in recognition of five cryptic species inhabiting the Balkan Peninsula – P. ripartii Freyer, 1830, P. nephohiptamenos Brown et Coutsis, 1978, P. aroaniensis Brown, 1976, P. orphicus Kolev, 2005 and P. timfristos Lukhtanov, Vishnevskaya et Shapoval, 2016 and three cryptic species inhabiting Azerbaijan and Iran – P. valiabadi Rose et Schurian, 1977, P. rjabovianus Ko􀤊ak, 1980 and P. pseudorjabovi Lukhtanov, Dantchenko, Vishnevskaya et Saifitdinova, 2015 (Vishnevskaya et al. 2016, Lukhtanov et al. 2015). In general, the data obtained indicate that the genetic and taxonomic diversity of the subgenus Agrodiaetus is significantly higher than it was previously thought.
... Fig. 31 Polyommatus aroaniensis has been considered as a relatively widespread species (Kolev and van der Poorten 1997). Apart from its type-locality (South Greece, Peloponnese), it has been recorded in different parts of Central and Northern Greece (Brown 1976a, Wakeham-Dawson and Spurdens 1994, Wakeham-Dawson 1998, Pamperis 2009, from a few areas in south Macedonia van der Poorten 1997, Melovski andBozhinovska 2014) and from some localities in south-west Bulgaria and one isolated place in the central part of the country (Abadjiev 2001, Kolev 1994, Kolev and van der Poorten 1997. Tshikolovets (2011) and Eckweiler and Bozano (2016) show its distribution extending into Albania, although the species has not been recorded from this country in recent surveys (Verovnik and Popović 2013). ...
Karyosystematics and molecular taxonomy of the anomalous blue butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) from the Balkan Peninsula
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2016
The Balkan Peninsula represents one of the hottest biodiversity spots in Europe. However, the invertebrate fauna of this region is still insufficiently investigated, even in respect of such well-studied organisms as Lepidoptera. Here we use a combination of chromosomal, molecular and morphological markers to rearrange the group of so-called anomalous blue butterflies (also known as ‘brown complex’ of the subgenus Agrodiaetus Hübner, [1822] and as the Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) admetus (Esper, 1783) species group) and to reveal its cryptic taxonomic structure. We demonstrate that P. aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) is not as widespread in the Balkans as was previously thought. In fact, it has a dot-like distribution range restricted to the Peloponnese Peninsula in South Greece. Polyommatus orphicus Kolev, 2005 is not as closely related to the Turkish species P. dantchenkoi (Lukhtanov & Wiemers, 2003) as was supposed earlier. Instead, it is a Balkan endemic represented by two subspecies: P. orphicus orphicus (Bulgaria) and P. orphicus eleniae Coutsis & De Prins, 2005 (Northern Greece). Polyommatus ripartii (Freyer, 1830) is represented in the Balkans by an endemic subspecies P. ripartii pelopi. The traditionally recognized P. admetus (Esper, 1783) is shown to be a heterogeneous complex and is divided into Polyommatus admetus sensu stricto (the Balkans and west Turkey) and P. yeranyani (Dantchenko & Lukhtanov, 2005) (east Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran). Polyommatus nephohiptamenos (Brown & Coutsis, 1978) is confirmed to be a species with a dot-like distribution range in Northern Greece. Finally, from Central Greece (Timfristos and Parnassos mountains) we describe Polyommatus timfristos Lukhtanov, Vishnevskaya & Shapoval, sp. n. which differs by its haploid chromosome number (n=38) from the closely related and morphologically similar P. aroaniensis (n=47-48) and P. orphicus (n=41-42). We provide chromosomal evidence for three separate south Balkan Pleistocene refugia (Peloponnesse, Central Greece and Northern Greece/South Bulgaria) and stress the biogeographic importance of Central Greece as a place of diversification. Then we argue that the data obtained have direct implications for butterfly karyology, taxonomy, biogeography and conservation.
... Our records from Croatia represent the northwestern distribution limit of P. aroaniensis in Europe, with the closest known populations recorded from Gacko, in Bosnia & Herzegovina (Verovnik et al. 2015) and Macedonia (Kolev & van der Poorten 1997, Melovski & Bozhinovsk 2014. ...
The Grecian anomalous blue Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) (Lepidoptera: Lycaneidae) discovered in Croatia, at the northwestern edge of its distribution
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2015
In 2014 and 2015, a survey to improve the knowledge about the distribution of butterflies of the subgenus Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) was carried out in southern Croatia. The first observations of a new species for the country, P. aroaniensis, were made. These localities present the northwesternmost points of the species distribution, with the closest known population occurring in Bosnia and Herzegovina. New localities for the three species, P. admetus, P. damon, and P. ripartii, were also recorded, extending the range of the latter two species. Our findings increase the number of recorded butterfly species in Croatia to 197. Izvleček. Modrin Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) (Lepidoptera: Lycaneidae) najden na Hrvaškem, na severozahodni meji njegove razširjenosti – V letih 2014 in 2015 smo raziskovali razširjenost metuljev podrodu Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) v južnem delu Hrvaške. Prvič smo zabeležili vrsto P. aroaniensis. Te lokalitete ležijo na najbolj severozahodnem delu območja razširjenosti te vrste, katere naslednja najbližja populacija je znana iz Bosne in Hercegovine. Našli smo tudi nove lokalitete za tri vrste P. admetus, P. damon ter P. ripartii in tako povečali znano območje razširjenosti slednjih dveh vrst. Z našimi najdbami se je število zabeleženih vrst dnevnih metuljev na Hrvaškem povzdignilo na 197.
... An overview of the distribution of P. aroaniensis was gi ven by Kolev & van der Poorten (1997). The species has been recorded in many parts of Greece (Pamperis 2009), from a few areas in southern Macedonia (Kolev & van der Poorten 1997, Melovski & Bozhinovska 2014 and in some localities in southwestern Bulgaria, in cluding one isolated occurrence in the central part of the country (Abadjiev 2001, Kolev & van der Poorten 1997. Tshikolovets (2011) shows its distribution ex ten ding into southwestern Albania, although the spe cies was not recorded from this country in recent sur veys (Verovnik & Popović 2013) and confirmation is nee ded. ...
The discovery of Polyommatus aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2015
During a field trip to SE Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2011 a small population of Polyommatus aroaniensis was dis­covered south of the town of Gacko. This is the north-west­ernmost locality for this species, far from its con­ti­guo­us range in Greece, Bulgaria and southern Macedonia. In sub­sequent years additional studies provided evidence for an extremely rich butterfly fauna at this locality with a total of 78 species observed. Among those species Polyommatus ther­ sites and P. ripartii are considered extremely rare in Bos­nia and Herzegovina. Successful rearing of P. aroa­nien­sis from this locality enabled us to illustrate its lifecycle.
Fauna of butterfl ies (Papilionoidea) in the National Park Galičica, Republic of Macedonia
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2011
The butterfly fauna (Papilionoidea) of the National Park Galičica is relatively well known. However, the literature data on species found by numerous authors are generally without listed localities, for example only mentioning Galičica, Ohrid, etc. Research results on butterfly fauna in the National Park Galičica is based on a review of the material from the Macedonian Museum of Natural History (SKO), and of all literature data which were accessible to us, as well as many years of continuous investigations into this group of insects. As a result of investigations carried out, two species have been removed and 10 species not previously recorded in the National Park Galicica have been added to the list. There are 21 species of skippers (Hcsperiidae), 6 species of swallowtails (Papilionidae), 21 species of whites (Pieridae), 68 species of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae), and 50 species of blues, coppers and hairstreaks (Lycaenidae). This study provides for the first time complete data on 166 species of butterflies in the National Park Galičica.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE FAUNA OF LEPIDOPTERA OF THE MAVROVO NATIONAL PARK (REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA)
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2008
A short-term faunistic survey of Lepidoptera of the Mavrovo National Park (Republic of Macedonia) resulted in records of 401 species of Lepidoptera, almost twice as much as hitherto known from this area. Of particular interest are 48 species which, according to Fauna Europaea, are new country records. Furthermore, 4 species are probably new to science. Izvleoeek – PRISPEVEK K FAVNI METULJEV MAVROVSKEGA NARODNE-GA PARKA (REPUBLIKA MAKEDONIJA) Kratkotrajna favnistioena raziskava metuljev (Lepidoptera) Mavrovskega narodnega parka v Republiki Makedoniji je dala podatke o 401 vrsti metuljev, skoraj dvakrat toliko, kot jih je bilo s tega obmooeja znanih poprej. Posebno zanimivih je 48 vrst, ki po bazi podatkov Fauna Europaea za draeavo øe niso bile znane. Øtiri vrste pa so ver-jetno nove za znanost.
MELLICTA AURELIA (NICKERL, 1850), A NEW SPECIES FOR THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2009
during field works within the framework of the project "Prime Butterflies Areas" in Macedonia near the Bulgarian border 1 in June 2007, Mellicta aurelia (NICKERL, 1850) was recorded for the first time in the Republic of Macedonia. By this, the total number of known butterflies species for Macedonia (Papilionoidea & Hesperiidae) reaches 202. Résumé: lors de recherches sur le terrain en juin 2007 près de la frontière bulgare dans le cadre du projet "Prime Butterfly Areas", Mellicta aurelia (NICKERL 1850) a été trouvée pour la première fois en République de Macédoine. Compte tenu de cette découverte, le nombre total d'espèces Papillons de jour (Papilionoidea & Hesperiidae) connus de République de Macédoine s'élève à 202. Rezime: Za vreme na terenskiteistràuvawa vo isto~na Makedonija, a so cel identifikacija na Zna~ajni podra~ja za peperutkite na granicata so Bugarija, na dva bliski lokaliteti, za prv pat bea kolekcionirani 5 edinki od vidot Mellicta aurelia (NICKERL, 1850). So cel na dopolnitelna proverka, edinkite bea prateni do kolegata KEJMOJLEN od Belgija koj preku dopolnitelna analiza na polovite sistemi na edinkite ja potvrdi determinacijata napravena spored morfolo{kite karakteristiki na sobranite edinki. So toa, brojot na dosega poznati peperutki za Makedonija se iska~i na 203 vidovi.
CHEQUERED SKIPPER (CARTEROCEPHALUS PALAEMON) NEW SPECIES FOR THE FAUNA OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE)
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2008
Rudi Verovnik, Branko Micevski, Chequered skiper (Carterocephalus palaemon) New species for the fauna of the Republic of Macedonia (Lepidoptera Hesperiidae) Biol. Macedonica, 61: 93-96 Chequered Skipper is a rare and localised species in the southern Balkan Peninsula. As a generally more temperate species it occurs at higher altitudes further south. Its presence in Macedonia was expected given its distribution in the neighbouring countries. A single specimen was observed on Suva Planina plateau west of Nova Breznica village. With spring surveys of mountainous regions further records are possible.
New records of the rare Escher's Blue, Polyommatus escheri (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), from the Republic of Macedonia
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2009
Polyommatus escheri (Hübner, 1823) was known only from a single site in Republic of Macedonia. During field surveys in June 2008 the species was discovered at two new sites. In both cases the habitat is characterised by stretches of barren sandy ground where the larval food plant Astragalus monspesullanus (Bernh.) grows abundantly. The habitat is at least partially anthropogenic and mainly consists of 100 to 300 m long road verges. Given the limited habitat available at all three known sites and potential threats due to isolation, natural succession and anthropogenic pressure, the species should be considered highly threatened in Republic of Macedonia. Rezime. Ešeroviot sinec beše poznat samo od eden lokalitet za Republika Makedonija. Za vreme na terenskite istražuvanja vo juni 2008 vidot beše otkrien na ušte dva novi lokaliteti. Vo site tri slučai staništeto se karakterizira so ogolena pesokliva podloga so značitelna abundancija na Astragalus monspesullanus (Bernh.), rastenie domakin za ovoj vid. Staništata na site lokaliteti se odlikuvat so delumna antropogenost i glavno se sostojat od pojasi od po 100-300 m kraj samiot pat. Zaradi ograničenosta na staništata i potencijalnata opasnot kako rezultat na prirodna sukcesija i antropogeniot impakt, vidot treba da se smeta za visoko zagrozen vo Makedonija. Samenvatting. Nieuwe gegevens over Polyommatus escheri in de Republiek Macedonië. Polyommatus escheri (Hübner, 1823) was slechts van één lokaliteit in de Republiek Macedonië bekend. Tijdens veldonderzoek in juli 2008 werd de soort in twee nieuwe vindplaatsen aangetroffen. In beide gevallen gaat het om een stuk zandgrond waar de voedselplant van de rups, Astragalus monspessulanus (Bernh.) overvloedig groeit. De vindplaatsen zijn op zijn minst gedeeltelijk van anthropogene oorsprong en bestaan hoofdzakelijk uit wegboorden van 110 à 300 m lang. Gezien de kleine oppervlakte van de drie vindplaatsen en de mogelijke dreiging van isolering en anthropogene druk, moet de soort in de Republiek Macedonië beschouwd worden als zeer bedreigd. Résumé. Nouvelles observations de Polyommatus escheri en République de Macédoine. Polyommatus escheri (Hübner, 1823) est connu seulement d'une localité en République de Macédoine. Pendant des recherches en juillet 2008 cette espèce fut trouvée dans deux nouvelles localités. Toutes les deux des endroits sablonneux où la plante nourricière de la chenille, Astragalus monspessulanus (Bernh.), croît abondamment. Ces localités sont, au moins en partie, d'origine anthropique et consistent surtout en bords de route de 110 à 300 m de long. Vu la superficie négligeable des trois localités connues et la pression humaine, P. escheri doit être considéré comme extrêmement vulnérable en République de Macédoine.
A Taxonomic Study of the Family Hesperiidae (Rhopalocera) of the Massif Mountains of Sharr, Pollog Valley and Mavrovo National Park
Data
Full-text available
  • Nov 2013
The research on Rhopalocera fauna in the massif mountains of Sharr, Pollogu Valley and Mavrovo National Park was explored several times years ago by different researchers, but this time we have considered to be explored again, but this time in the integrated territory, since this group requires a study dimension of more specific and characterized research on the possibility of finding a new species in this territory. Our research is carried out on 500 samples belonging to the Hesperiidae family. So far, through the keys were determined 18 species belonging to 7 Genus and 2 subfamilies. The samples were collected at 18 research stations of different heights above the sea level and different habitats. For each survey station data on habitat characteristics were recorded, altitude, latitude and longitude. Introduction Sharr Mountain is the largest massif mountain in the Republic of Macedonia which is located in the northwestern part of Republic of Macedonia and which includes a length of 85 km, and a width of 15-20 km with an area of 1607 km². Sharr Mountain is located in a northern latitude 420 41'43" East and 200 34' 51" which begins with an elevation of 600 -up to 2747m, the highest peak is Titov VRV which interlocks a large number of different forest and grassy generations to the alpine zone. Sharr Mountain is one of the richest massifs, with subordinated types of Rhopalocera, Diurna (butterflies of the day) not only in Macedonia but also in the Balkan Peninsula. Pollogu Valley is a low valley located at 380-550m above sea level and which lies between the Sharr Mountain and the Dry Skopje Mountain. It has almost a meridian stretch and its length is 44 km and width 7 km (West-East), with an area of 250 km2 that ranks immediately after the Pelagonija and Skopje. It is consisted of Tetova valley (Lower Polog) and the valley of Gostivar or Vardar (Upper Polog). Mavrova National Park is a south integrated part of Sharr Massif Mountain at an altitude of 800-2100m above the sea level and it is characterized by a Rhopalocera fauna which requires a more detailed exploration for the eventuality of finding any new type. Rhopalocera fauna (Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera), in the function of which this study was undertaken, it presents scientific, practical and ecological interest. Dubbed else as "flying flowers" for the possession of stunning colors, these butterflies of the day constitute the most significant group of Lepidoptera, with nearly 174.250 species collected in 126 families. Today, the world recognizes at around 17,500 species of butterflies of the day (Rhopalocera, Diurna), while in Europe live at around 482 types and in the Republic of Macedonia live 201 types. If we account these 201% types in (%), it appears that 46% of the total European number are located in Macedonia and based on the area of the territory this is a very high percentage. This richness primarily is consisted by the presence of the two climates: Mediterranean and Continental in the Republic of Macedonia. For the Macedonian Lepidoptera fauna in total are recognized only three researchers. Austrians, Rebel & Dr. Dr.Hans. Zerny [14] and Josef Thurner [18] and researcher Scheider P., P. Jaksic [15], with co-author Krpaç[9]. In the latest edition of Krpaç et al., 2008 [10] are reported 201 species of Rhopalocera in the Republic of Macedonia. Until now there are recognized superficial fauna studies for Sharr massif Mountain Rhopalocera Fauna and its surroundings, D. Melovski [5]. In the research of all these authors, it is still left out space for the Rhopalocera fauna to be studied. The material and the method During this research it was studied the Hesperiidae family with over 500 exemplars that were met at research stations within the territory of the Sharr Massif Mountain, Pollogu Valley and in the National Park of Mavrovo, the latest is considered to be a continuity of Sharri Massif Mountain. The collection of material is done through special entomological networking for the capture of these butterflies. Butterflies are caught during their flight or during their stay on the flowers, shrubs and spontaneous vegetation. All material is ticketed at the collection place with the data and place of its collection, date of collection, biotope and name of the collector; also with special notes for vegetation (grass, shrub, and tree). After capturing, the objects were set and preserved in envelopes and entomological mattresses. The material for the study was
Diversity of daily butterflies in the Struga Prime Butterfly Area
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2010
The paper refers to the diversity of the daily butterfly fauna in the Struga region as well as the base of Jablanica mount., which represent one of the eight prime butterfly areas in Macedonia. The field research took place from June to October 2009. 47 species were registered in 11 localities.
Composition of the fauna of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidea & Hesperioidea) on Jablanica Mt.
Article
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  • Jan 2010
Results of the investigation of butterflies on Jablanica Mt. are presented in this paper. Field research was conducted in the summer period in a time span of four years (2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009). A total of 107 species were registered on 31 localities. The richest habitats with species were clearings in beech forest (76 species), followed by pastures (47), rural settlements (46), riparian habitats (45), degraded oak and horn-beam forests (21) and clearings in pine forest (3). The zoogeographical distribution of the butterflies was also analyzed.
Morphometric study on the genitalia of sibling species Melitaea phoebe and M. Telona (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Article
Taxonomy and phylogeny of the diverse nymphalid genus Melitaea was often considered dur-ing the last decade. Melitaea phoebe (Knapweed Fritillary) and M. telona has been considered as conspecific until the last few years. Morphometric characters of genital structures were ana-lysed by traditional morphometric method. Significant but slightly overlapping differences were found in both sexes. In male genitalia we observed that M. telona can be characterised by a more notched saccus, and more symmetric processi posteriore than M. phoebe. In females, Melitaea phoebe has more circle shaped, while M. telona has more elliptic shaped posterior lamella. The furca is usually smaller in M. phoebe. M. phoebe ornata specimens from the South Ural, Russia, were clustered together with M. telona in the analyses.