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Through its geographical position, varied topography, particular climate and complex cultural history, Romania has managed to sustain enormously rich biodiversity. Traditional practices, which have survived longer than in most other parts of Europe, have allowed the preservation of large areas of natural habitat, little altered by human activity. All this is reflected in the breadth of Lepidoptera encountered in the country – from the dazzling Freyer's Purple Emperor to the elusive Moorland Clouded Yellow, from the almost bird-like Great Banded Grayling to the diminutive Osiris Blue.
This book considers all the species (and subspecies) of butterflies known to occur in Romania. This identification guide to the butterflies of Romania is set out in a format easy to understand not only by specialists but also for the more general naturalist or butterfly enthusiast. An expansive introduction covers the various life stages (ovum, larva, pupa and imago), biology and ecology, as well as protection and conservation, and butterfly research. The next section identifies the 14 most important habitat types frequented by butterflies in Romania.
For each of the more than 200 species covered, information on taxonomy, identification, habitat, biology, conservation and distribution is presented. Each is illustrated with photographs from nature, primarily adult males and females, but also numerous images of the developmental stages. There follows a complete set of plates of prepared butterflies, displaying dorsal and ventral positions (upper and undersides) for both males and females. Finally, the male genital armature of several species are illustrated, primarily those difficult or impossible to identify using visual determination. The result is an attractive, practical and portable guide that not only helps identify the butterfly species of Romania, but also encourages the reader to more fully appreciate and protect them.
Originally published in Romanian in 2013 as Fluturii Diurni din România: Cunoaştere, Protecţie, Conservare. This English translation includes new faunal information, while text, nomenclature, and taxonomy have been updated in accordance with the latest scientific discoveries, publications, and guidelines. Errors from the first Romanian edition have been corrected, and the diagnosis of complicated and more challenging species has been carefully revisited to help facilitate species identification. By introducing a new chapter on the required or specialist habitats of Romanian butterflies, the resourcefulness and appeal of the book have been enhanced. Over half the photos have been replaced by clearer and more informative images.
Introduction
Body structure (morphology)
Butterfly names
Identification of diurnal butterflies
Average lifespan
Stages of development
Natural enemies
Butterflies and their habitats: requirements and preferences
Habitat loss and destruction
Collectors and collecting of butterflies
The Romanian Lepidopterological Society
Lines of research
Monitoring of butterflies
The biology of Phengaris (Maculinea) species
Protection and preservation
Summary of legislation impacting butterfly collecting in Romania
List of butterfly species protected by law in Romania
Important butterfly habitats and sites in Romania
Systematic checklist of the butterflies of Romania
Key points for use of this book
Species accounts
Hesperiidae
Papilionidae
Pieridae
Lycaenidae
Nymphalidae
Potential species not yet recorded in Romania
Plates
Identification of difficult species according to genitalia and other morphological structures
Taxonomic notes
Glossary
Photo credits
Abbreviations
References
Index of vernacular names
Index of scientific names
László Rákosy is among those lucky few who have turned their passion into a job. From childhood he was fascinated by the world of plants and animals, especially butterflies, motivated by the many field trips made with his parents around their hometown of Sighisoara. A Professor at Babes-Bolyai University, he is the author of over 200 scientific articles and numerous books about butterflies. Laszlo is active in nature conservation and works to raise public awareness of the natural world.
