Adult population ecology and egg laying strategy in the ‘cruciata’ ecotype of the endangered butterfly Maculinea alcon (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Population dynamics studies in insects mostly focus on a specific life stage of a species and seldom consider different stages. In the framework of our research we studied the population demography of a protected Maculinea alcon 'cruciata' population and the factors that could influence the distribution of eggs. The results of the markrecapture survey showed a relatively short flight period between mid-June and midJuly with clearly marked early peak period. Unlike in many other butterflies, proterandry was not strong. The total population of M. alcon 'cruciata' was estimated at 699 individuals. The survival rate, and consequently the average life span, was relatively low. Generally, males proved to be more mobile than females. Eggs showed a highly aggregated pattern, and egg numbers was positively related to general shoot size, while the number of flower buds and the features of the surrounding vegetation did not display any effect on egg laying. Based on our findings the studied population appears viable, but specific management techniques could ensure optimal conditions for egg laying in this protected butterfly

New data on the distribution of the threatened Scarce fritillary, Euphydryas maturna (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in southern Romania

Euphydryas maturna is a highly endangered species listed on the Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive as well as on the Annex II of the Bern Convention. Despite being reported from almost all the historical regions of Romania, there are only two published records from Oltenia so far. Several specimens spotted in the Bungețu forest (near Bălcești, Vâlcea county) in late May 2021, are filling this gap in the known distribution of the Scarce fritillary in Romania

New data on the distribution of the threatened Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) – in Romania

Euphydryas aurinia, a highly endangered species listed on the Annex II of the Habitats Directive as well as on the Annex II of the Bern Convention, has a wide distribution in the Palearctic realm. Although it is an intensively studied species, its distribution is still not enough known. In Romania, in the last century it has been reported almost exclusively from the regions inside and westwards to the Carpathian Mountains. Records from Oltenia and Wallachia are filling a gap in the known distribution of this butterfly in the southern part of Romania, while 13 new records consolidate the known range of this species in southern and eastern Transylvania. In order to assess the progress encountered, a critical reviewed checklist with the records of the Marsh Fritillary presented in a regional distribution map complete this paper