THE CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED LYCAENID BUTTERFLIES IN SPAIN

Ecological features of the lycaenid species listed in the Spanish Lepi doptera Red Data Book are described For each of the 13 species we give the geographic distribution and describe the larval foodplants, pheno logy, adult resources and habitat. The species are grouped into three categories according to habitat: (i) climax high-altitude sites (Lysan dra golgus, Agriades glandon, A. zullichi and Aricia morronensis) whic h can be protected with no special management; (ii) early successional habitats such as landslides and rocky areas (Cupido lorquinii, Lysand ra nivescens, Aricia nicias and A. morronensis) requiring minimal mana gement for conservation; and iii) habitats kept open by grazing, mowin g and burning Maculinea arion, M. alcon, M. rebeli, M. nausithous, Iol ana iolas, Plebejus pylaon and some populations of Aricia morronensis) . The conservation of the last group involves the preservation of trad itional land uses. Some important populations of the most vulnerable s pecies could be preserved through the protection of target areas.