A Unique Population in a Unique Area: The Alcon Blue Butterfly and Its Specific Parasitoid in the Białowieża Forest

Research in the Białowieża Forest reveals the highest recorded density (850/ha) of the Alcon blue butterfly (Phengaris alcon), with an estimated 1460 adult individuals. This population thrives due to optimal habitat conditions, including abundant Gentiana host plants and high densities of its exclusive ant host, Myrmica scabrinodis. The study also highlights a significant presence of the specific parasitoid Ichneumon cf. eumerus, with 75.5% of butterfly pupae infested, suggesting a wasp population of around 4500 adults. These findings underscore the forest's ecological uniqueness and its role as a critical refuge for this threatened species and its associated biodiversity.

Dziekańska, I., Nowicki, P., Pirożnikow, E., & Sielezniew, M. (2020). A Unique Population in a Unique Area: The Alcon Blue Butterfly and Its Specific Parasitoid in the Białowieża Forest. Insects, 11(10), 687. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11100687