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ESU (Casacci et al 2014) STH3023-24/25, Group 1: Point 2, Group 3: Point 3…
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Group 1: Point 2
- M. alcon and M. rebeli will feed on ants directly
- M. arion, M, teleius feed on ant egg and larvae
- M. nausithous' might include both strategies
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- M. arion, M. teluis, M. nausithous, M. alcon, M. rebeli have unique relationships with ants
- They are considered "social parasites"
- After feeding for several days the larva will drop into the ground where ants will carry them into their nests
- However, for the past few decades, all Maculinea species have declined dramatically
- This has made them a focus for conservation efforts due to their unique life history and endangered status
When taxonomic variability does not reflect biological diversity in butterflies
- Butterflies are known for having cryptic species where they are similar morphologically but different species
- Even though they are genetically different, they still share the same niches, making it harder to classify them into different ESUs
- This questions how we define ESUs and suggests we need to rethink how we approach butterfly conservation
The ESU: some insights from butterfly studies
- Insects are sensitive to environmental changes
- Butterflies respond to environmental changes and posses well-known ecological preferences
- Thus, it is a good indicator, representing other insect species.
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Group 3: Point 3
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There are difficulties in providing conservation strategy, due to discrepancies in the level of vulnerability in different countries.
Maculinea alcon is vulnerable in Italy. On the other hand, Maculinea rebeli is vulnerable in Northeast Europe.
In conclusion there is 3 ESU, 1 Northeastern Maculinea alcon and 2 geographically separate host of Maculinea rebeli.
There is a debate on whether Maculinea alcon & Maculinea rebeli are the sames species or different species.
This is due to the indistinguishable morphological characteristics.
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GROUP 5
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Conservation efforts for M. arion must balance its ecological importance, local adaptations, and genetic richness to safeguard biodiversity.
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Butterflies are a good indicator, they have a stronger and faster preference and respond towards change than other taxa, which means they are very sensitive. Local butterflies facing extinction although there are no resource shortage. Conservation declining failed due to inadequate understanding of their biological and cause of decline.
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