Power line Corridors as Suitable Habitat for Butterfly Species - Abundance and species richness for day-living butterflies found in power line corridors in forested areas in Scania
Abstract: The landscape composition in Sweden has drastically changed during recent years. Intensified farming and forestry has led to reduced areas valuable for biodiversity and a decline of biodiversity across many organism groups. In Sweden almost 30% of all day-living butterflies are considered threatened. Habitat creation as a by-product of anthropogenic activities may provide new habitats for species with degraded natural habitats. In this study it was investigated if power line corridors are suitable habitats for day-living butterflies (Rhopalocera) and burnet moths (Zyganidae). This was done by quantifying butterfly and burnet moth abundance and species richness in power line corridors located in Scania, South Sweden. 39 species and 3457 individuals were found, among them 7 red listed species. Species found in powerline corridors were representative for the area in general, the majority had herbs as larval host plant types and had low or intermediate mobility. Butterfly abundance was affected by timing and temperature. There was no correlation between species richness and abundance and surrounding forest type, but a strong correlation was shown between butterfly abundance and abundance of blooming flowers. This indicates that power line corridors are beneficial for butterflies by providing a habitat with blooming flowers. Other factors such as vegetation height and composition might affect habitat quality and diversity, but further studies are needed to understand the full potential of power line corridors as suitable habitats for butterflies.
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