The ecology and conservation of the Pearl bordered Fritillary Butterfly (Boloria euphrosyne) in Scotland

The Pearl Bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) is known to be one of the most rapidly declining butterflies in the UK. This study was carried out to investigate the ecology of the Pearl Bordered Fritillary (B. ephrosyne) in Scotland and to reveal important aspects relevant to its conservation. The population structure and mobility of B. euphrosyne found at Dinnet, Aberdeenshire were examined by a mark release recapture technique (MRR) in 2005 and 2006. Three interconnected colonies were identified and the vegetation structure in occupied areas and adjacent unoccupied areas was surveyed. A further 11 sites that have been identified to be used by B. euphrosyne along Deeside along an altitude range were surveyed to check any difference in habitat used in lowland and highland areas. The B. euphrosyne populations at Dinnet were found to be generally small and did not exceed 200 individuals. These were considered to be generally sedentary, but with some movement between colonies, which means that they form a metapopulation structure. B. euphrosyne was found to be selective in choosing areas for oviposition and larval development and only preferred the warmest spots. It was revealed that at lowland sites B. euphrosyne occupies a grass/bracken mosaic habitat, generally facing south and south west along the edges and tracks of woodlands. In highland areas B. euphrosyne were found to be occupying areas of generally open grass/heathland. A conservation and management plan was produced for land managers on Deeside, to ensure the survival and continual presence of B. euphrosyne in the area.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo