Butterfly Density and Behaviour in Uncut Hay Meadow Strips: Behavioural Ecological Consequences of an Agri-Environmental Scheme

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134945
• Publication Date: 2015-08-18T17:56:09Z
• Authors: Julie Lebeau; Renate A. Wesselingh; Hans Van Dyck
• Keywords: Male; 0106 biological sciences; 3123; Behavior, Animal; Plant Nectar; Science; Oviposition; Q; R; Agriculture; Feeding Behavior; 15. Life on land; Poaceae; 01 natural sciences; QH301; Medicine; Animals; Female; Butterflies; Ecosystem; Research Article

Sparing zones from mowing has been proposed, and applied, to improve local conditions for survival reproduction of insects in hay meadows. However, little is known about the efficiency refuge consequences populations. We studied population densities butterflies before after zone 15 meadows 2009 2011. also behaviour meadow brown (Maniola jurtina) comparing nectar use, interactions flights mowing. Densities grassland this doubled on average The density females M. jurtina increased fourfold, while males showed a more modest increase. In line with idea scramble competition mowing, time spent feeding, preferred source was visited frequently, made use non-preferred sources. Maniola did not interact conspecifics but lasted longer. Flight tracks change linearity, were faster shorter After only part moved uncut zone. resulting concentration effect alters allocated different activities, movements. These aspects have largely ignored agri-environmental schemes management nature reserves raise questions optimal quantities quality sites efficient conservation arthropods agricultural landscapes.