Agriades dardanus (Freyer, 1845)
Dardan Blue, Голубянка дарданская, Դարդանական կապտաթիթեռ

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
This monotypic species is found in the southern Balkan Peninsula, Turkey, the Caucasus and Armenia. It inhabits predominantly sub-alpine grasslands at the elevation range from 2000 to 3000 m a.s.l. In Armenia the species uses only Androsace barbulata as the host plant. Dardan Blue gives one generation per year having butterflies on wing from mid June till late August, depending on elevation. 

Population dynamics:
The species is usually common within a typical habitat and has a stable population trend during 2003-2013 (p>0.05), which probably could be justified by the fact that the host plant is less preferable fodder for the livestock, especially in the sub-alpine grasslands covered by wide variety of Gramineae. 

Conservation measures: 
The species is not included in the Global, European, and National Red Lists, as well as in CITES and Bern Conventions. Preliminary assessment of it conservation status for Armenia suggests it as a Least Concern. At current Daran Blue's distribution is partly covered by some of the Protected Areas and Emerald Sites; also it is presented in the Prime Butterfly Areas Lichk, Kajaran, and Gnisheek, and Artanish-Shorzha. Apparently the species' state doesn't require any specific conservation measures, however its monitoring remains important tool for early warning of possible population changes.

Photo: S. Andreev