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­Indicator­butterfly­species­for High Nature Value dry grassland of Transylvania

Introduction Intro­text­to­come

Indicator butterfly species for HNV dry grassland of Transylvania Text­to­come

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Red­Listed­in­Romania

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Scarce Fritillary Euphydryas maturna The­Scarce­Fritillary­prefers­deciduous­forest­edge,­floodplain­forests,­edges­of­roads,­the­presence­of ash­in­sunny­locations­is­required.­The­female­lays­eggs­on­the­back­of­ash­tree­leaves­up­to­1.5­-­2­m height.­Young­caterpillars­develop­in­distinctive­silk­nests,­and­then­over-winter­at­ground­level.­They pupate­April-May­and­adults­emerge­in­May-June.­The­species­is­threatened­by­forest­destruction,­and replacement­of­deciduous­floodplain­forest­with­modern­tree­cultivation. D

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Wingspan: 40-50­mm,­females­are­larger­than­males.­ Flight period: End­of­May/June

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Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia In­the­Marsh­Fritillary,­the­median­band­of­spots­on­the­wings­are­yellow,­not­white­as­in­the­Scarce Fritillary.­The­Marsh­Fritillary­prefers­wet­or­dry­meadows,­extensively­grazed­or­late­mowed,­rich­in Devils­bit­scabious­on­which­females­lay­eggs.­The­caterpillars­overwinter­together­in­a­silk­nest.­They pupate­in­May­and­adults­emerge­in­May-June.­The­species­is­threatened­by­intensification­of­grasslands,­especially­drainage,­early­mowing­and­overgrazing. Wingspan: 30-45­mm.­ Flight period: Middle­of­May­to­June,­beginning­of­July

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Albastrelul­argintiu­al­furnicilor

Scarce Large Blue Maculinea teleius Dorsal­face­is­blue-grey,­the­female­darker.­Ventral­face­of­the­wing­base­is­only­very­slightly­bluegreen­(under-wings­of­Large­Blue­are­intense­blue-green).­Butterflies­are­easily­recognized­as­they­are found­only­on­the­host­plant,­Great­Burnet,­on­which­the­females­lay­eggs.­After­a­few­weeks­the caterpillars­leave­the­flower,­fall­to­earth­where­they­are­taken­by­certain­species­of­ants­and­fed­in­the ants’­nest.­They­pupate­in­the­ants’­nests­and­emerge­as­adults­in­early­July.­Species­is­threatened­by drainage­of­damp­grasslands,­intensive­grazing,­and­early­mowing.­Best­for­the­species­is­mowing after­25­August,­or­extensive­grazing­until­June­15­and­after­September­1. D

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Wingspan: 25-35­mm­ Flight period:

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Albastrelul­mare­al­cimbrisorului

Large Blue Maculinea arion The­blue­coloured­under-wing­is­more­intense­and­the­black­wingspots­more­obvious­than­the­Scarce Large­Blue.­Eggs­are­laid­on­thyme­or­marjoram.­They­prefer­dry­grassland:­sunny­meadows,­often rocky­grassland­with­limestone.­Caterpillars­feed­on­thyme­or­marjoram­flowers­for­a­few­weeks,­then they­are­taken­and­fed­by­host­ants.­The­adults­emerge­in­late­May­-­June.­Extensive­grazing­land­and non-use­for­1-2­years­favours­this­species.­Intensive­grazing­with­land­degradation­has­led­to­a­strong reduction­of­the­species­in­Europe,­but­in­Romania­is­still­quite­common. D

Wingspan: 28-35­mm Flight period:

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Apollo­negru

Clouded Apollo Parnassius mnemosyne Butterfly­wing­tip­is­characterized­by­transparent,­two­black­spots­and­black­on­white­ribs.­Caterpillars develop­on­brebenei­species­from­March­to­May,­in­clearings­or­forest­edges.­In­order­to­feed­the­ butterflies­come­out­of­the­forest,­into­meadows­rich­in­flowers.­It­over-winters­in­the­egg­stage.­ Wingspan: Flight period: D

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Pallas’ Fritillary Argynnis laodice Pallas'­Fritillary­is­distinguished­from­other­Argynnis­species­by­purple­streak­across­the­underside­of the­lower­wing.­The­adult­butterflies­prefer­humid­forest­and­streams­edges­rich­in­tall­plants.­Main nectar­source­for­butterflies­is­the­Telekia­speciosa,­flax,­and­Cirsium.­The­caterpillars­feed­on­various species­of­violets.­Adult­and­caterpillar­have­different­habitat­requirements.­It­is­a­rare­species,­ characteristic­of­hilly­regions. Wingspan: 55-60­mm Flight period:

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Fluturele­rosu­al­macrişului

Large Copper Lycaena dispar The­male­Large­Copper­has­the­red­under-wings­with­black­edges.­The­female­has­black­spots­on­ fore-wings­and­hind-wings­are­much­darker,­except­for­red­marginal­band.­The­undersides­of­the­ fore-wings­are­red,­and­of­the­hind-wings­silver.­The­females­lay­eggs­on­various­species­of­sorrel,­the plant­on­which­the­caterpillars­feed.­They­can­be­found­in­wet­meadows,­along­rivers,­canals­and­lakes. The­species­is­threatened­by­drainage­and­habitat­destruction. Wingspan: 35-40­mm Flight period: mid­May-June,­July-August

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Fluturele­mare­al­plopului

Poplar Admiral Limenitis populi The­Poplar­Admiral­is­one­of­the­largest­butterflies­living­in­Europe.­It­prefers­streams,­forest­edges and­clearings.­Being­a­strong­flyer,­it­can­travel­long­distances.­The­males­often­come­down­to­ground level­in­the­mornings,­settling­on­animal­droppings­or­dead­animals,­from­which­they­extract­minerals.­They­do­not­feed­on­nectar.­Females­are­rarer­and­can­be­seen­either­in­willow­and­poplar­canopy or­on­the­ground­especially­in­the­afternoon.­The­caterpillars­feed­preferentially­on­the­leaves­of aspen.­The­Poplar­Admiral­is­endangered­due­to­destruction­of­coppices,­regulation­of­rivers,­and­ asphalting­of­roads,­so­destroying­habitat­for­caterpillars­and­adults. Wingspan: 65-70mm Flight period:

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Lesser Purple Emperor Ilia apatura The­Lesser­Purple­Emperor­is­one­of­the­category­of­butterflies­in­which­tiny­wing­scales­reflect­light, changing­the­apparent­wing­colour.­Most­individuals­reflect­blue­colour,­but­there­are­individuals which­reflect­shades­of­red-brick­colour.­They­prefer­forest­edges­and­glades,­and­clearings­in­ hill-mountain­areas.­Adult­butterflies­feed­on­minerals­extracted­from­soil,­animal­droppings­and­ animal­corpses,­or­on­juices­of­plants­and­fruits.­The­caterpillars­live­on­poplar­and­willow­species.­ The­Lesser­Purple­Emperor­over-winters­in­the­young­caterpillar­stage.­The­species­is­threatened­by forest­destruction­and­elimination­of­floodplain­forests­and­of­poplars­along­the­edges­of­hardwood forests,­but­also­be­destruction­of­the­adult­butterfly­feeding­sites. D

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Wingspan: 55-60mm Flight period:

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Common Glider Neptis sappho From­the­colour­and­pattern­of­wings,­the­Common­Glider­cannot­be­confused­with­other­species. Caterpillars­feed­on­leaves­of­Lathyrus­and­acacia.­Adult­butterflies­are­found­in­forest­edges,­forest clearings­and­along­acacia­plantations.­In­deciduous­forests,­the­presence­of­the­Common­Glider­is often­associated­with­Fenton's­Wood­White.­Due­to­the­expansion­acacia­trees,­the­Common­Glider­is not­in­decline. D

Wingspan: 42-48mm Flight period: May-June,­July-August

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Romanian­name

Fenton's Wood White Leptidea morsei Fenton's­Wood­White­differs­from­other­similar­species­by­the­prominence­of­the­wingtip­(apex)­of­the fore-wing,­most­evident­in­first-generation­individuals.­It­over-winters­in­the­pupa­stage.­The­caterpillars­feed­on­species­of­Lathyrus.­Adult­Fenton's­Wood­White­can­be­found­in­forest­glades,­glades, clearings,­and­edges,­most­frequently­in­oak­or­mixed­forests.­Transylvania­has­some­of­the­strongest populations­of­Fenton's­Wood­White­in­Europe.­The­species­is­threatened­by­the­expansion­of­softwood forest­plantations,­clear­felling,­elimination­of­edge­structures­and­clearings­in­deciduous­forests,­and intensive­grazing­in­forests. D

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Wingspan: 40-45­mm Flight period: April-May,­June-July

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Marbled Skipper Charcarodus lavatherae The­Marbled­Skipper­differs­from­related­species­by­the­colour­of­the­dorsal­(upper)­wing­surfaces, greenish-brown­or­yellowish­brown­with­green­hues.­The­female­lays­eggs­on­flowers­of­Stachys (woundwort).­In­very­warm­days,­males­suck­moisture­from­wet­areas­–­wet­sand,­pond­margins,­ etc.­The­preferred­habitat­is­dry­grassland­with­scrub,­and­steppic­grasslands­in­limestone­areas.­ The­Marbled­Skipper­is­a­rare­species­threatened­by­destruction­or­modification­of­habitat. Wingspan: 30-34mm Flight period: late­June-end­July

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Vrăjitoarea­pajiștilor

Hermit Chazara briseis The­Hermit­butterfly­has­an­impressive­jerky­and­hopping­flight,­and­after­landing­tucks­its­fore-wings between­its­hind-wings,­making­it­perfectly­camouflaged­and­very­hard­to­see­by­man­or­by­its­natural­enemies.­From­this­behaviour­is­derived­its­popular­name­‘Hermit’­or­‘witch­of­the­meadows’­(Romanian­name).­Females­are­about­1­cm­larger­than­males.­Adult­butterflies­do­not­live­more­than 12-15­days­each.­Caterpillars­develop­on­Sesleria­and­other­tall­grasses,­and­over-winter­in­young caterpillar­stage.­Preferred­habitats­are­dry­grasslands,­with­limestone­boulders­and­scrub­thickets,­or dry­grasslands­with­scrub­on­clay­soils.­Although­it­is­a­rare­and­localized­species,­sometimes,­in­ideal habitats,­it­may­be­locally­common.­The­Hermit­is­threatened­by­overgrazing,­burning­of­vegetation­in autumn­and­spring,­afforestation,­application­of­fertilizers,­habitat­fragmentation­or­destruction. Wingspan: 50-60mm Flight period: late­June-early­September

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Ochi­de­păun­de­noapte­mic

Small Emperor Moth Eudia pavonia The­male­bears­pinnate­(feather-like)­antennae­and­is­significantly­smaller­but­more­colourful­than the­female.­The­general­appearance­of­the­male­is­reddish,­and­hind­wings­are­even­brick-red.­Females­fly­at­night,­males­in­the­day-time­seaching­for­females.­Adult­butterflies­do­not­eat,­which­is why­they­do­not­live­more­than­a­few­days.­Eggs­are­laid­on­the­twigs­of­blackthorn,­hawthorn,­wild rose,­etc.­Caterpillars­develop­in­May­–­July,­and­overwinter­in­the­pupa­stage­in­a­silk­cocoon.­The Small­Emperor­Moth­prefers­warm­habitats­rich­in­blackthorn­and­hawthorn­bushes.­The­species­is­ endangered­due­to­removal­of­scrub­from­grasslands,­burning­of­vegetation,­and­use­of­pesticides. Wingspan: Flight period: late­March-early­May

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Woodland Grayling Hipparchia fagi The­Woodland­Grayling­is­a­large­butterfly­that­prefers­forest­glades,­clearings­and­edges,­but­also­ occurs­in­dry­haymeadows,­the­caterpillars­feeding­on­various­species­of­sweet­grass.­The­adult­butterflies­can­be­seen­easily­in­flight­due­to­their­size.­If­scared­or­just­disturbed,­they­settle­on­a­tree­trunk, fold­the­fore-wings­between­the­hind-wings­and­become­invisible­due­to­the­pattern­and­colour­that blends­with­the­bark­of­trees.­Grazing­in­forests­and­forest­edge,­and­the­expansion­of­forest­plantations­instead­of­natural­forests­with­glades,­are­the­main­threats­to­the­species.­Its­presence­indicates deciduous­forest­mixed­with­natural­landscape­features,­favouring­high­biodiversity. Wingspan: 55-65­mm Flight period:

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Jersey Tiger Moth Callimorpha quadripunctaria Through­to­wing­colour­and­pattern,­the­Jersey­Tiger­Moth­if­carefully­observed­cannot­be­confused with­any­other­species.­During­the­day­it­stays­hidden­in­a­well­protected­place,­but­it­can­often­be seen­in­flight­or­feeding­on­nectar­of­flowers­of­flax,­blackberry,­spice,­etc.­The­caterpillars­live­on­nettles­at­first,­and­later­over-winter­on­blackberry.­Adult­moths­can­be­found­in­meadow­vegetation along­streams­and­rivers,­in­damp­forest­edges,­the­gorges­or­other­places­with­nettles­and­blackberry, solong­as­there­is­a­certain­humidity.­Due­to­destruction­of­habitats­the­Jersey­Tiger­Moth­has­became rare­in­central­Europe,­but­in­Transylvania­it­is­still­widespread. D

Wingspan: 44-54­mm Flight period: July-August

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Romanian­name

Eastern Eggar Eriogaster catax The­Eastern­Eggar­moth­males­are­smaller,­more­reddish,­have­feathery­(pinnate)­antennae­and­a­very hairy­end­to­the­abdomen.­Females­are­larger,­brown,­and­have­a­tuft­of­grey­hairs­on­the­end­of­the abdomen­which­is­used­to­cover­the­eggs­after­laying.­The­adult­moths­fly­at­night.­The­eggs­overwinter­covered­with­the­hairs­from­the­abdomen­of­the­female,­and­hatch­in­April.­The­caterpillars­live in­nests­protected­by­a­silk­cover,­on­bushes­of­hawthorn,­blackthorn,­wild­rose,­dwarf­almond,­etc., and­pupate­after­4-5­weeks­of­feeding.­In­Central­Europe­the­Eastern­Eggar­is­a­very­rare­species threatened­with­extinction,­but­in­the­hilly­regions­of­Transylvania­strong­populations­remain.­The species­is­threatened­by­excessive­cleaning­of­grasslands,­burning­of­vegetation,­and­modification­or destruction­of­habitat. D

Wingspan: 38-45­mm Flight period: September-October

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Spurge Hawk-moth Hyles euphorbiae The­fore-wings­of­the­Spurge­Hawk-moth­are­ash-brown­with­lighter­band­towards­the­wingtips.­ The­hind-wings­are­pink,­edged­with­black­and­have­a­basal­white­spot.­The­caterpillars­are­very­ distinctive,­and­develop­on­spurge­(Euphorbia­sp.),­a­plant­toxic­for­herbivores­and­most­plant-eating insects.­The­bright­colours­of­the­moths­and­caterpillars­warn­the­aggressor­of­their­toxicity.­The­adult moths­fly­at­night.­It­over-winters­as­a­pupa.­Preferred­habitats­are­dry­grasslands,­hot,­rich­in­spurge plants.­Being­an­excellent­flyer­it­can­be­found­in­many­areas,­from­sea­level­to­approx.­2000m­ altitude.­As­long­as­spurge-rich­grasslands­persist,­used­for­traditional­extensive­grazing­or­mowing, the­Spurge­Hawk-moth­is­not­threatened.­Intensive­agriculture­and­construction­have­reduced­the habitat­of­this­species­in­central­and­western­Europe.­It­is­a­good­indicator­of­extensive­grassland, which­favours­the­maintenance­of­biodiversity. D

Wingspan: 70-75­mm Flight period: May-July­and­August-October

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Twin-spot Fritillary Brenthis hecate The­lower­faces­of­the­wings­of­the­Twin-spot­Fritillary­have­two­obvious,­parallel­rows­of­black­spots. Females­have­darker­wings­than­males,­sometimes­even­blackish.­The­species­over-winters­as­egg stage.­The­caterpillars­develop­on­Meadowsweet­from­March­to­May.­The­habitats­are­unfertilized grasslands­in­hilly­sub-montain­areas­rich­in­flowering­plants­with­a­10-20%­covering­by­scrub.­It­is­a good­indicator­of­natural­unfertilized­haymeadows­and­extensive­grazing­with­high­biodiversity­value. Wingspan: 38-43­mm Flight period: May­to­July

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Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe The­Knapweed­Fritillary­may­be­confused­with­other­similar­species­of­the­genus.­The­string­of­red dots­on­the­ventral­(lower)­surface­of­the­hind-wings­are­round.­The­caterpillars­are­dark­grey­with­red spines.­The­pupae­also­are­grey­with­reddish­spines.­The­adult­butterflies­fly­in­two­generations­from May­to­August.­The­caterpillars­feed­on­various­species­of­thistle-like­knapweed­(Centaurea­sp.).­The species­prefers­extensive­haymeadows,­forest­clearings­edges,­warm­and­sunny,­rich­in­flowering plants.­The­species­is­affected­by­removal­of­hedges­from­meadows,­intensive­grazing­and­mowing, and­fertilization­of­land. D

Wingspan: 42-48­mm Flight period: May-August

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Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris The­Small­Skipper­differs­from­other­similar­species­by­the­orange­knobs­on­the­antennae.­On­the­ fore-wings­of­the­male­can­be­seen­an­elongated­black­spot,­which­is­formed­by­cells­producing­ substances­that­are­odorous,­attractive­to­females.­The­adult­butterflies­fly­from­June­to­early­ September,­frequenting­wet­or­dry­habitats.­The­Small­Skipper­over-winters­at­caterpillar­stage.­ The­species­prefers­grasslands­rich­in­flowers­located­along­forest­edges­or­in­forest­clearings,­or­ extensive­unfertilized­haymeadows.­For­source­of­nectar­the­Small­Skipper­prefers­purple­flowers,­in sunny­positions.­The­caterpillars­develop­on­various­tall­herb­species.­It­over-winters­at­caterpillar stage.­It­is­a­common­species,­as­yet­not­threatened. D

Wingspan: 28-30mm Flight period: June-early­September

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Sângeriul­inelat

Burnet moth Zygaena carniolica The­Burnet­moth­cannot­be­confused­with­other­species­of­Transylvania,­owing­to­the­white­rings­ delimiting­the­red­spots­on­the­wings.­All­species­of­this­family,­by­their­red­spots,­warn­potential predators­of­the­presence­of­a­highly­toxic­substance,­so­that­the­butterflies­and­their­caterpillars­are not­eaten­by­birds­or­other­predators.­Caterpillars­develop­in­different­species­of­sainfoin­or­Birds-foot Trefoil­and­pupate­in­late­May­-­early­June.­Tha­adult­butterflies­feed­on­nectar­from­various­plants.­ In­the­evening­they­group­together­into­overnight­aggregates.­They­prefer­warm­and­dry­meadows. Abandonment­of­traditionally-managed­land,­intenfied­use­through­increased­fertilization­and­ overgrazing,­and­afforestation,­are­the­main­factors­contributing­to­the­decline­of­this­beautiful­and valuable­species. D

Wingspan: Flight period: mid­June-August

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Sfingidul­luminiței

Willowherb Hawkmoth Proserpinus proserpine The­fore-wings­of­the­Willowherb­Hawkmoth­are­olive­green,­and­the­the­hind-wings­yellow­edged with­dark­brown.­The­wing­edges­are­strongly­toothed­giving­a­distinctive­character­to­this­species. Like­a­humming­bird,­the­Willowherb­Hawkmoth­can­fly­in­order­to­manoeuvre­or­to­remain­motionless­in­the­air­to­extract­nectar­from­a­flower­without­resting­on­it.­It­is­a­rare­species­with­nocturnal activity.­The­caterpillars­live­and­feed­on­willowherb­(Epilobium)­species.­It­overwinters­as­a­pupa.­It can­be­found­in­sunny,­warm­habitats,­sheltered­from­wind.­It­prefers­less­dry­meadows­on­loamy­or calcareous­soils,­fixed­screes,­abandoned­quarries,­etc.­Scrub­improves­habitat­structure­fior­the species.­The­presence­of­the­Willowherb­Hawkmoth­indicates­natural­habitats­with­great­species­richness.­The­species­does­not­tolerate­intensive­grazing,­fertilizing­or­repeated­mechanized­mowing­of land.­Most­of­the­specific­habitats­of­this­species­have­been­destroyed­by­ploughing,­intensive­grazing and­afforestation­with­acacia­and­pine. Wingspan: 40-45­mm Flight period: May-June

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The­aim­of­the­STIPA­project­is­to­improve­the­conservation­of­two­dry­grassland habitats­in­the­Sighisoara­-Tarnava­Mare­Natura­2000­site­which­are­of­European priority­importance­under­the­EU­Habitats­Directive:­ • 6210*­Semi-natural­dry­grasslands­and­scrubland­facies­on­calcareous­ substrates­(Festuco-Brometalia)­with­important­orchid­sites • 6240*­Sub-Pannonic­steppic­grasslands

The butterflies in this booklet are an important indication of the presence of rare dry grasslands, whose conservation is of European importance. We hope that this booklet will encourage local people, including the farmers who manage these important grasslands, schoolchildren, students and others, to take an active part in the STIPA project. We can all help to preserve this natural heritage by working together.

Author: Laszlo­Rakosy,­Faculty­of­Ecology,­Babes-Bolyai­University, Cluj­Napoca,­Romania. Publisher: Fundatia­ADEPT­Transilvania,­Febuary­2012. Photos: Laszlo­Rakosy­except­where­otherwise­stated.

Produced­by­Fundatia­ADEPT­Transilvania­as­part­of­­EU­LIFE+­project­LIFE09 NAT/RO/000618

STIPA www.fundatia-adept.org

Tarnava­Mare­SCI:­Saving­Transylvania’s­Important­Pastoral­Ecosystems­ Project­supported­by­EU­LIFE+­and­Orange­Romania