Food plants of burnets (Zygaena F. Lepidopt., Zvgaenidae) and the dying-out of these moths in the Pieniny Mts. (Poland)

Abstract

The resources of food plants of both the Zygaena F. larvae and imagines are still fairly large in the Pieniny Mts. and Małopolska Upland (Wyżyna Małopolska). but they shrink rapidly in connection with urbanization and the intensification of agriculture. In 1982-1985 the populations of Zygaena angelicae Ochsen., Z. loti (Den. et Schiff ) Z. filipendulae (L.). Z. lonicerae (Schev.). Z. viciae, (Den. et Schiff.). and Z. pupuralis (Bünn.) inel. Z. minos (Den et Schiff.) have been observed. 5 species (Zygaena brizae (Esp.). Z. cynarae (Esp.). Z ephialtes (L.). Z. osterndensis Reiss and Z. trifolii (Esp.)) observed in the Pieniny Mts. in 1950-1960 are extinct. The decrease in the number of Zygaena species and in the size of their populations in the Pieniny Mts. and other regions of this country is caused by changes occurring in biotopes. The dying-out of moths and butterflies in the Pieniny Mts. can be stopped by a conservation of the biotopes characteristic of this region: the overgrowth of clearings and xerothermic plant associations should be prevented, meadows should be mown late in summer (August) and the use of mineral fertilizers_ and insecticides and herbicides should be reduced to a minimum in the Pieniny National Park and at its borders.