Low winter precipitation, but not warm autumns and springs, threatens mountain butterflies in middle-high mountains.

ABSTRACT: Low-elevation mountains represent unique model systems to study species endangered by climate warming, such as subalpine and alpine species of butterflies. We aimed to test the effect of climate variables experienced by Erebia butterflies during their development on adult abundances and phenology, targeting the key climate factors determining the population dynamics of mountain insects. We analysed data from a long-term monitoring of adults of two subalpine and alpine butterfly species, Erebia epiphron and E. sudetica (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) in the Jeseník Mts and Krkonoše Mts (Czech Republic). Our data revealed consistent patterns in their responses to climatic conditions. Lower precipitation (i.e., less snow cover) experienced by overwintering larvae decrease

SUBMITTER: Konvicka M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8404571 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature