Bumblebees and butterflies in green structure elements in Malmö, Sweden

Abstract Within the BiodiverCity project in Malmö (Sweden), green structure elements were implemented aiming to support biodiversity and enhancing amenity denser parts of city. In this study, bumblebee butterfly abundances species richness studied 20 three areas Malmö. The investigated consisted objects established within other their surroundings (e.g. road verges, lawns flowerbeds). Observed was generally low. total, 528 bumblebees eight recorded, with 97% all belonging two species, Bombus lapidarius B. terrestris/lucorum . A total 154 butterflies from 10 detected, most commonly Pieris species. There no significant differences mean individual or numbers (bumblebees butterflies) between designed conventional ones. Bumblebee abundance positively correlated cover flowering vegetation number plant Butterfly size structure. Observations flower visits showed that groups insects had different preferences. results study show diversity densely built city can be challenging. To more successfully, habitat requirements these insect need better considered beginning design elements.