Maculinea Arion Research Articles

Lessons from the reintroduction of Maculinea teleius and M. nausithous in the Netherlands.

Details of a reintroduction of Maculinea teleius (scarce large blue butterfly) and Maculinea nausithous (dusky large blue butterfly) into a nature reserve in the Netherlands are given. The introduced population of M. teleius expanded during the first three years. In contrast, the newly established population of M. nausithous declined in the year after the reintroduction but expanded later. After a considerable increase in numbers, this species can nowadays be seen in two subpopulations: one in and one outside the nature reserve. Although the results are quite positive with respect to the numbers of butterflies, some alarming features have also been found. Both species, but especially M. teleius, have a very low mean minimal lifetime, which makes them more susceptible to stochastic catastrophes. While the area populated by M. nausithous is still expanding, M. teleius can only be found on the meadow where it was released and has not dispersed at all. The possible consequences of reintroductions are discussed. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998

Effects of latitude, altitude and climate on the habitat and conservation of the endangered butterfly Maculinea arion and its Myrmica ant hosts

Analyses were made of the habitats of the endangered myrmecophilous butterfly, Maculinea arion, and its host ant, Myrmica sabuleti, in five regions, spanning most of the climatic range of the butterfly in west Europe. Near their altitudinal or north latitudinal limits, both species are confined to warm south-facing slopes where the turf is grazed 20 cm tall. Intermediate types of habitat were used in regions with intermediate summer climates. The implications for conservation management are discussed. The fact that M. arion has a narrow niche and occupies very early successional stages near its range-edge makes it difficult to conserve in regions with cool climates. A successful example is described from one site in the UK. During 20 years of intensive management the sward structure was altered from being tall and dense to that predicted as optimal for M. arion at its range-edge. The species of Myrmica changed greatly during this period, with thermophilous ants, including M. sabuleti, supplanting cool-loving non-host species. A population of M. arion now inhabits this site. We predict that the conservation of M. arion will be easier and cheaper to achieve under the warm climates of central lowland Europe where different, less intensive, management is required. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998

Maculinea arion (L.) in Finland - distribution, state of knowledge and conservation

Maculinea arion (L.) in Finland - distribution, state of knowledge and conservation

The effects of spatial patterns in habitat quality on community dynamics within a site

Metapopulation studies of single species have shown that the size and spatial arrangement of patches of assumed uniformly ‘suitable’ habitat can influence their population dynamics and persistence. We investigated whether variation in the spatial arrangement of ‘suitable’ habitat of varied quality within a single site can affect the abundance and persistence of interacting species. We accomplished this by extending a field–based spatial simulation model of four interacting species at two trophic levels (an endangered butterfly, its larval food–plant, and two ants). The habitat on sites with the same average and range of qualities was rearranged to give varying degrees of local spatial heterogeneity or ‘site ruggedness’. We found that the ant species that acts as host to the butterfly caterpillars decreased with site ruggedness. The impact on the butterfly was more substantial: it often failed to persist on very rugged sites. Despite being free–ranging over the whole area, the butterfly9s persistence depends on the arrangement of habitat quality at a finer spatial scale, due to its interactions with species possessing narrower habitat niches and more localized dispersal. Ruggedness also influenced the rate of recovery of the host ant, and hence community structure, for more than a century following the butterfly9s extinction.

Genetic population structure of the large blue butterfly Maculinea alcon in Denmark

We have investigated the genetic population structure within and the genetic differentiation between local populations of the large blue butterfly Maculinea alcon throughout the Jutland peninsula. Samples were collected as eggs on foodplants (Gentiana pneumonanthe), and reared to 4th instar caterpillars in the laboratory. A significant excess of homozygotes was found for all the investigated allozyme loci in most of the populations. A North-South cline was observed for the allele frequencies at some of the loci and for several linkage groups. Because some of the allele frequency clines were parallel to clines in adult morphological variation, we interpret our results as evidence for the co-existence of at least two gene pools within the Danish Maculinea alcon populations. Multilocus electrophoretic data revealed highly positive but variable FST values, which under this scenario would reflect varying frequencies of the Maculinea gene pools across the local populations. The significantly positive FIS values indicate that these gene pools are at least partly reproductively isolated (Wahlund effect). The co-occurrence of several Maculinea alcon gene pools on many local sites in Jutland is of great importance for conservation of the fragmented Maculinea populations. Our results show that there is probably more Maculinea biodiversity to conserve than was previously thought, and suggests that extant populations are more fragmented and vulnerable than counts of flying adults or eggs on foodplants indicate.

Wing variation of Maculinea arion (Linnaeus) in Finland (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

Wing variation in the large blue butterfly, Maculinea arion (Linnaeus, 1758), was studied using 22 measurements of the wing shape, venation and coloration in males and females of Finnish and Karelian populations. The results showed that the spots were fewer and smaller in the western populations than in the eastern ones, whereas the black marginal stripe was wider in the west. The samples from the western populations (Lohja, Kangasala, Hattula, Asikkala, etc.) formed a distinctive group differing from the eastern populations (Taipalsaari, Liperi, Isthmus of Karelia). The temporal within-population variation in Asikkala was relatively high compared to the between-population variation within both the western and eastern population groups.

Population Dynamic Consequences of Direct and Indirect Interactions Involving a Large Blue Butterfly and its Plant and Red Ant Hosts

Caterpillars of the butterfly, Maculinea rebeli, feed sequentially in flower-buds of Gentiana cruciata and in nests of Myrmica schencki ants, with which they have a sort of'cuckoo bird' relationship. Ants feed them in preference to their own larvae, reducing the production of new workers and hence the colony size the following year. Other Myrmica compete with M. schencki for nest-sites. They adopt caterpillars with equal facility, but fail to rear them to maturity and are consequently less damaged. Using a mathematical model we explore how species interactions can influence the populations of the butterfly, M. schencki, and other Myrmica species. The model assumes a 1 ha square of 900 cells with a fixed population of gentians

Contest competition among Maculinea rebeli butterfly larvae in ant nests

Abstract. Caterpillars of the myrmecophilous butterfly Maculinea rebeli showed strong evidence of contest competition when introduced at high densities to laboratory nests of Myrmica ants. This is attributed to the direct feeding of caterpillars by workers, which select a few individuals to nurture when food or ant numbers are limiting. It contrasts with published data for a congener, Maculinea arion, which has predacious larvae and experiences scramble competition in crowded ant nests. Worker ants from two Myrmica rubra colonies (I and II) were used to found the laboratory nests hosting Maculinea rebeli. Nests from each source reared a similar biomass of Maculinea, but whereas those containing M. rubra I workers reared eight to ten lightweight caterpillars each, cultures from colony II reared half as many caterpillars, each of about double the weight. Differences in nest capacity may be due to the different social structures of colonies I and II at the start of the experiment.

The conservation of endangered lycaenid butterflies in Spain

Ecological features of the lycaenid species listed in the Spanish Lepidoptera Red Data Book are described. For each of the 13 species we give the geographic distribution and describe the larval foodplants, phenology, adult resources and habitat. The species are grouped into three categories according to habitat: (i) climax high-altitude sites ( Lysandra golgus, Agriades glandon, A. zullichi and Aricia morronensis) which can be protected with no special management; (ii) early successional habitats such as landslides and rocky areas ( Cupido lorquinii, Lysandra nivescens, Aricia nicias and A. morronensis) requiring minimal management for conservation; and (iii) habitats kept open by grazing, mowing and burning ( Maculinea arion, M. alcon, M. rebeli, M. nausithous, Iolana iolas, Plebejus pylaon and some populations of Aricia morronensis). The conservation of the last group involves the preservation of traditional land uses. Some important populations of the most vulnerable species could be preserved through the protection of target areas.

The capacity of a Myrmica ant nest to support a predacious species of Maculinea butterfly

Caterpillars of Maculinea arion are obligate predators of the brood of Myrmica sabuleti ants. In the aboratory, caterpillars eat the largest available ant larvae, although eggs, small larvae and prepupae are also palatable. This is an efficient way to predate. It ensures that newly-adopted caterpillars consume the final part of the first cohort of ant brood in a nest, before this pupates in early autumn and becomes unavailable as prey. At the same time, the fixed number of larvae in the second cohort is left to grow larger before being killed in late autumn and spring. Caterpillars also improve their feeding efficiency by hibernating for longer than ants in spring, losing just 6% of their weight while the biomass of ant larvae increases by 27%. Final instar caterpillars acquire more than 99% of their ultimate biomass in Myrmica nests, growing from 1.3 mg to an estimated 173 mg. A close correlation was found between the weights of caterpillars throughout autumn and the number of large ant larvae they had eaten. This was used to calculate the number of larvae eaten in spring, allowing both for the loss of caterpillar weight during winter and the increase in the size of their prey in spring. It is estimated that 230 of the largest available larvae, and a minimum nest size of 354 M. sabuleti workers, is needed to support one butterfly. Few wild M. sabuleti nests are this large: on one site, it was estimated that 85% of nests were too small to produce a butterfly, and only 5% could support two or more. This prediction was confirmed by the mortalities of 376 caterpillars in 151 wild M. sabuleti nests there. Mortalities were particularly high in nests that adopted more than two caterpillars, apparently due to scramble competition and starvation in autumn. Survival was higher than predicted in wild nests that adopted one caterpillar. These caterpillars seldom exhaust their food before spring, when there is intense competition among Myrmica for nest sites. Ants often desert their nests in the absence of brood, leaving the caterpillar behind. Vacant nests are frequently repopulated by a neighbouring colony, carrying in a fresh supply of brood. Maculinea arion caterpillars have an exceptional ability to withstand starvation, and sometimes survive to parasitize more than one Myrmica colony. Despite these adaptations, predation is an inefficient way to exploit the resources of a Myrmica nest. By contrast, Maculinea rebeli feeds mainly at a lower trophic level, on the regurgitations of worker ants. Published data show that Myrmica nests can support 6 times more caterpillars of Maculinea rebeli than of M. arion in the laboratory. This is confirmed by field data.

A Modelling Study of the Population Dynamics of a Large Blue Butterfly, Maculinea rebeli, a Parasite of Red Ant Nests

The five European species of Maculinea butterflies are among the most en-dangered invertebrates in the world. To attain a better understanding of the mechanisms which are most influential to their population dynamics, we develop a mathematical population model for one of these species, Maculinea rebeli, based on its dependence on two sequential resources, the cross-leaved gentian, Gentiana cruciata, and a red ant, Myrmica schencki. One of the main objects of this modelling study is to raise questions about the ecology and conservation of this rare and fascinating butterfly

The effect of queen ants on the survival of Maculinea arion larvae in Myrmica ant nests.

The mortality of Maculinea arion caterpillars was measured in both laboratory and wild Myrmica nests, and found to be nearly 3 times higher in nests that had queen ants present. This is attributed to 'queen effect', which causes worker ants in nests with queens to attack large ant larvae (gynes) that would otherwise develop into new queens. Maculinea arion caterpillars mimic Myrmica larvae, and are usually attacked during the first 10 days after adoption, when they pass through the size range of ant gyne larvae. Caterpillars are also likely to be attacked during this period because their nethod of feeding brings them into close contact with the skins of large ant larvae, which contain gyne larval pheromones; older caterpillars are large enough to eat larvae without their exposed surfaces contacting the larval skin. In the wild, many caterpillars of Maculinea arion die in ant nests, and this has been shown in previous work to be the key factor that determines changes in their abundance from year to year. It is suggested that queen effect can be an important cause of these deaths, and one that particularly affects populations of butterflies that breed on sites with long-established plagioclimaxes of short turf rather than short-lived grass-land successions.

The ecological effects of the decline in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) due to myxomatosis

ABSTRACTThe Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) population in the British Isles increased rapidly from the 1800s to 1950 due to climatic amelioration, predator reduction and agricultural changes. It became the major vertebrate pest of agriculture, causing an estimated £50 million in damage and lost production each year. Myxomatosis reached Britain in 1954‐55 causing 99‐9% mortality in some Rabbit populations and, carried by the mosquito and flea vectors, the disease spread rapidly. The consequent decline in the Rabbit population caused dramatic changes in agriculture and the native fauna and flora. It promoted woodland regeneration and increased grassland and cereal production; herb and grass height increased, flowering was noticeable and plant successions ensued. Some small legumes and annual plants became extinct locally and much floristically rich vegetation became dominated by a few grass species or shrubs. The increased grass growth probably promoted an increase in the number of many invertebrate species as well as in the vole (Microrus agrestis). Some species of insect became reduced in number and the Large Blue Butterfly (Maculinea arion) has become extinct (1979) since the decline of the ant (Myrmica spp.) fauna necessary to rear the butterfly larvae. Breeding sites for the Sand Lizard (Lacerta ugilis), Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) and Wheatear (Oenanrhe oenanthe) have been reduced by habitat change. Immediately after myxomatosis many predator populations suffered from a lack of Rabbit prey with consequent poor breeding success, but those able to switch to voles, and other predators which are no longer taken in Rabbit trapping, have increased in numbers, e.g. Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Polecat (Mustela putorius), Short‐eared Owl (Asio Barnmeus) and Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Others such as the Stoat (Mustela ermineu) and the Buzzard (Buteo buteo) declined immediately after myxomatosis through lack of prey and have recovered in nubers only slowly; the Peregrine falcon population has declined partly as a result of lack of open habitat. The breeding success of many predators was also reduced. Parasites of the Rabbit also declined; the flea (Spilopsyllus cuniculi), roundworms and tapeworms, as well as coccidiosis carried by Rabbits and particularly affecting young hares (Lepus europaeus) were all considered to be affected. Species such as the Pheasant Phasianus spp., the hare and the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) increased their use of woodland habitat and/or benefited from the increased food available. Rats (Rartus nomegicus) appeared to decline following increased predation and loss of habitat.In Australia similar vegetational changes occurred in many areas after the introduction of myxomatosis and predators such as the Fox and Wedge‐tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) were reduced by control measures following increased predation on sheep. Many bird and marsupial species were reduced in number after the loss of Rabbit prey or on becoming an alternative prey item.In Britain the loss of the fur industry has been outweighed economically by the increased agricultural production and reduced control and maintenance costs following myxomatosis. Since myxomatosis appeared Rabbit numbers have increased only slowly, probably because of increased predator pressure on low density populations and the periodic recurrence of the disease. Rabbit behaviour may have changed so that burrows are not used as much as in the past, Rabbit trapping has ceased and many habitats have been lost. Rabbit numbers could still reach moderate densities but a reversal of many of the ecological effects of my xomatosis is unlikely.

The Myrmecophilous organs of the larvae of some British Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera): a comparative study

Scanning electron microscope studies have been made of larvae of eight of the fifteen resident British lycaenids (including Maculinea arion). A full suite of myrmecophilous organs comprising Newcomer's organs, tentacular organs and pore cupolas, has been identified in Lysandra coridon, L. bellargus and Polyommatus icarus. M. arion possesses Newcomer's organs and pore cupolas. Quercusia quercus has pore cupolas and what may be the rudiments of tentacular organs. Strymonidia pruni and Hamearis lucina have only pore cupolas. No myrmecophilous organs were identified on larvae of Cupido minimus, but poor quality material suggests this may be artifactual. The ultrastructure of the myrmecophilous organs or their supposed homologues is described in detail. The results presented are compared with those of earlier authors for the other seven resident species of British lycaenids. The functions, homologies and possible evolutionary origins of the myrmecophilous organs are discussed.

The behaviour and habitat requirements of Maculinea nausithous (the dusky large blue butterfly) and M. teleius (the scarce large blue) in France

Maculinea nausithous and M. teleius are among the world's rarest butterflies. Both oviposit on the flowerheads of Sanguisorba officinalis, but spend most of their immature lives inside Myrmica spp. ant nests, where their larvae feed on ant brood. Very few colonies of these butterflies survive, and leading conservation bodies have called for urgent research into their habitat requirements: at present, too little is known for successful conservation programmes to be devised. This paper described observations made on three small bogs in France, which each supported colonies of both Maculinea in 1981. The main content is a detailed habitat analysis of each site. Studies were also made of the behaviour of both butterflies, and of the size of the population of each species on every site. From these, it was possible to identify some of the factors that make these sites suitable habitats for M. nausithous and M. teleius. It eas concluded that the abundance, and perhaps the species, of Myrmica ant was the crucial factor on each site.

A Population Study of the Ants Myrmica sabuleti and Myrmica scabrinodis, Living at Two Sites in the South of England. I. A Comparison of Colony Populations

SUMMARY colonies. One site was on chalk grassland and the other on acid grassland. The latter supported a population of M. scabrinodis Nyl. which was also investigated. The acid site was the last known British site for Maculinea arion (large blue butterfly) which is parasitic upon M. sabuleti for part of its life cycle. (2) Means are given for six parameters of colony population. These are compared for site, annual and within-site differences. It is shown that colonies producing reproductives are significantly larger than those that do not. There are significant variations within sites between years but these are small compared to between-site and interspecific differences. (3) Regression analysis enables some deductions to be made concerning the regulation of sexual production. Sexuals are reared at the expense of new workers. Both male and new worker production is closely related to worker population whereas gyne production seems more related to worker size. (4) The differences between and within populations are discussed in terms of nest site

Lost British Dragonflies

The large blue butterfly Maculinea arion is probably extinct in Great Britain. Many other of Britain’s 56 butterfly species have declined since 1945, but no other species has become extinct. By contrast, no fewer than four of Britain’s 41 resident dragonfly species have almost certainly become extinct since that date, What are the causes and what lessons can be learnt from these losses?

Why Did the Large Blue Become Extinct in Britain?

In 1979 the Nature Conservancy Council revealed that the large blue butterfly Maculinea arion was probably extinct in Britain, despite much research and valiant efforts to save it. The author, a member of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, who since 1972 has been engaged full time on the research and conservation work for the butterfly, tells the story as it is now known.

Isolation and the decline of the large blue butterfly ( Maculinea arion) in Great Britain

In England Maculinea arion is on the verge of extinction and there have been many explanations for its decline. Evidence is put forward to show that at one time it was more widespread in England than is generally realised. It is argued that the fragmentation of this widespread distribution is, in itself, a prime cause of the butterfly's disappearance.

AN UNPUBLISHED ACCOUNT OF EXPERIMENTS CARRIED OUT AT EAST FARLEIGH, KENT, IN 1915 AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF MACULINEA ARION, THE LARGE BLUE BUTTERFLY.

Proceedings of the Royal Entomological Society of London. Series A, General EntomologyVolume 28, Issue 10-12 p. 160-162 AN UNPUBLISHED ACCOUNT OF EXPERIMENTS CARRIED OUT AT EAST FARLEIGH, KENT, IN 1915 AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF MACULINEA ARION, THE LARGE BLUE BUTTERFLY. Captain E. Bagwell Pueefoy F.R.E.S., Captain E. Bagwell Pueefoy F.R.E.S.Search for more papers by this author Captain E. Bagwell Pueefoy F.R.E.S., Captain E. Bagwell Pueefoy F.R.E.S.Search for more papers by this author First published: December 1953 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3032.1953.tb00646.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume28, Issue10-12December 1953Pages 160-162 RelatedInformation