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Lepidoptera, the butterflies and moths, is the leading flagship group for advancing interest in insect conservation. One of the largest insect orders, with numerous intricate ecological interactions, their long aesthetic attraction to naturalists and collectors has contributed to a unique cumulative historical record of information on diversity, biology, habitat relationships, distribution, and interactions with people. Collectively, this information has ensured that many declines and extinctions of species – particularly of butterflies in the northern hemisphere – have been brought forcefully and unambiguously to human notice. Both theoretical and practical aspects of their conservation have proliferated in recent decades, and the relevant scientific literature on Lepidoptera ecology and conservation (both peer-reviewed and in unpublished reports) continues to burgeon in extent and complexity.
Lepidoptera and Conservation is a global overview of Lepidoptera conservation and its roles in providing lessons for wider insect conservation. It brings together some of the highly scattered information into a synthesis for research workers, conservation managers, naturalists and students, in a manner that assumes little previous knowledge, and provides a substantial list of relevant references for further information. Lepidoptera and Conservation emphasises the contrasts between the progress possible for the better-documented northern temperate regions and for the rest of the world, but examples and cases noted demonstrate also the increasing urgency and novel initiatives that continue to develop.
Preface viii
Acknowledgements xiii
1 Lepidoptera and Invertebrate Conservation 1
Introduction 1
Biological background 3
Sources of information 11
2 The Diversity of Lepidoptera 16
Introduction 16
Distinguishing taxa 19
Drivers of diversity 28
3 Causes for Concern 32
Introduction: Historical background 32
Extinctions and declines 33
4 Support for Flagship Taxa 40
Introduction 40
Community endeavour 41
Flagships 44
5 Studying and Sampling Lepidoptera for Conservation 48
Introduction 48
Sampling methods 50
Interpretation for conservation 64
Priorities amongst species 66
Priority for conservation 71
Species to areas 76
Critical faunas 82
Related approaches 85
6 Population Structures and Dynamics 94
Introduction: Distinguishing populations 94
Metapopulation biology 97
Vulnerability 108
7 Understanding Habitats 117
Introduction: The meaning of ‘habitat’ 117
Habitat loss 123
8 Communities and Assemblages 142
Introduction: Expanding the context 142
‘Vulnerable groups’ 144
Habitats and landscapes 147
Assessing changes 152
Forests 152
Agriculture 153
Urbanisation 155
9 Single Species Studies: Benefits and Limitations 161
Introduction 161
Some case histories 168
The Large blue butterfly, Maculinea arion, in England 169
The Large copper butterfly, Lycaena dispar, in England 170
The Brenton blue butterfly, Orachrysops niobe, in South Africa 172
The Richmond birdwing butterfly, Ornithoptera richmondia, in Australia 173
The Golden sun-moth, Synemon plana, in south-eastern Australia 174
The New Forest burnet moth, Zygaena viciae, in Scotland 175
The Essex emerald moth, Thetidia smaragdaria maritima, in England 176
The Fabulous green sphinx of Kaua’i, Tinostoma smaragditis, in Hawai’i 177
Blackburn’s sphinx moth, Manduca blackburni, in Hawai’i 177
Variety of contexts 179
10 Ex Situ Conservation 183
Introduction: Contexts and needs 183
Lepidoptera in captivity 187
Inbreeding 188
Pathogens 189
Translocations and quality control 190
Assisted colonisation 192
11 Lepidoptera and Protective Legislation 197
Introduction 197
Prohibition of collecting 201
12 Defining and Alleviating Threats: Recovery Planning 206
Introduction: The variety of threats to Lepidoptera 206
Alien species 207
Diseases 209
Climate change 210
Exploitation for human need 214
Light pollution 217
Pesticides 218
Habitat manipulation and management 219
Grazing 225
Mowing 228
Coppicing 229
Burning 229
13 Assessing Conservation Progress, Outcomes and Prospects 241
Introduction 241
Monitoring conservation progress 242
Indicators 246
Future priorities and needs 255
Index 260
Tim New is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Melbourne. He has written extensively on insectconservation, including volumes on Hymenoptera (2012) and beetles (2010) both published by Wiley-Blackwell. An entomologist with wide interests in insect conservation, systematics and ecology, he is recognised as one of the leading advocates for the importance of insects in conservation.
