A demographic and ecological study of an Italian population of Polyommatus ripartii: the ESU Polyommatus exuberans

Abstract Polyommatus exuberans is an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the lycaenid butterfly ripartii . This ESU known to survive at only two sites in Susa Valley (NW Italy). Lack correct management, reforestation and frequent wildfires severely threaten this (listed as endangered species most recent IUCN Italian Red List). Although taxonomic rank taxon still debated, current threats could cause extinction its remaining populations before ecology are clarified. We collected data for first time on population small site Mompantero (ab. 10 ha). used GPS-positioning mark-release-recapture (MRR)-method estimate size (269 individuals), sex-ratio (1.36 M/F), lifespan (4.76 days), density (47/ha) mobility (median 153 33 m males females, respectively). Both sexes equally catchable. Catchability increases around midday decreases during overcast weather. While comparable those other endemic (such P. humedasae gennargenti ), scarce makes isolated even more seriously threatened. Implications insect conservation suggest that implementing active management plan, including mowing July and/or autumn, supporting ant diversity, immediate importance. Management should be extended road verges, where larval host plant ( Onobrychis sp.) abundant, would thus also serve corridors favour dispersion between sites. Our research study investigate taxon, shedding some light ecological biological aspects crucial long-term survival.