Lepidoptera Papilionoidea of the Umbrian side of Sibillini Mountains

Investigations on the lepidopterans of Sibillini Mountains were often conducted on the side of Marche Region, much larger than the Umbrian side. The purpose of this study is to outline the checklist and distribution of Lepidoptera Papilionoidea in the Umbrian side of Sibillini Mountains and surrounding mountain areas. The investigated area shows a high natural value involving the whole Umbrian side of the Monti Sibillini National Park (17,790 ha, 24.90% of PNMS) and a Natura 2000 Site (Monti Pizzuto – Alvagnano, IT5210067), close to PNMS. The surveys were conducted during spring and summer between 2010 and 2011, mainly through butterfly-watching or capture/release techniques. Papilionoidea found, about 70% of what was known of the entire PNMS, amounts to 87 species: 4 Papilionidae, 9 Pieridae, 28 Lycaenidae and 46 Nymphalidae; only Coenonympha rhodopensis had not been reported to the PNMS (TEOBALDELLI, 2010). Many of these species are taxa of high natural value, relegated to high altitude environments in the Apennines, especially Parnassius apollo, Lycaena hippothoe, Polyommatus eros, P. damon, Boloria pales, Brenthis hecate, Melitaea trivia, Coenonympha dorus, C. glycerion, C. rhodopensis, Hyponephele lycaon, Erebia alberganus, E. cassioides, E. epiphron, E. ligea, E. meolans, E. neoridas and E. pluto. The georeferencing of the reports has made possible to delineate the relative distributions in the investigated area. Such detailed knowledge is a basic prerequisite for the preservation programs of these species, key elements of Apennines biodiversity. Indeed, a satisfactory condition of their conservation status is a useful reference system for an evaluation of the management policies of the natural heritage of the Apennines