Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: The species is distributed in Turkmenia (Kopet-Dagh), Southern Armenia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Armenia is inhabited by subspecies A. p. transcaucasica (Miller, 1923), which initially was described as Lycaena melicertes Nekrutenko, 1985. The host plan of the larvae is Atraphaxis spinosa. In Armenia the species inhabits semi-desert areas South-eastern region of Armenia with slight penetration in juniper woodlands, occupying elevation range of 400 to 1000 m a.s.l. The butterflies are on wing from early May until early June (sometimes some late butterflies fly until mid June) in single generation.
Population dynamics: During the pick of its activity, the species is rather common in the typical habitat. Its population trend during 2003-2013 demonstrates stability. The host plant of the species is a thorny bush, which is quite adaptable to various soil conditions, and is rather resistant towards overgrazing. It should be mentioned that although there is a small trade of the species, it hardly can influence the population due to small and irregular demand. Therefore, despite on the fact that Armenia is located at the edge of the species' distribution range, the population is rather stable. Even more - during 1997-2013 there slight vertical movements of the species have been recorded, which can be an indication of progressing desertification in South-eastern Armenia. In the same time, obviously large parts of the species' population have been destroyed due to open pit mining and initiation of new orchards.
Conservation measures: The species is not included in the Global and European Red Lists, also it has not been evaluated for the previous Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010). Also the species is not included in Appendices of CITES and Bern Convention. Some part of its population is covered by Zangezur Biosphere Complex, and Agarak, Meghri, and Shvanidzor Prime Butterfly Areas. Significant portion of the population is covered by Arevik Emerald Site. Thus, preliminary assessment of the species' conservation status suggests it as Least Concern. The only concern that it generates, is related to business activities, which can lead to the habitat destruction, such as mining, horticulture, urbanization, etc. Since the species is highly specialized and it occupies a rather narrow zone, it is very important to consider it during various Environmental Assessment Procedures, taking into account also its ecosystem services. The species is one the most important objects of butterfly-watching and therefore can be a magnet for tourist, thus helping in development of alternative income for rural communities. Among other necessary measures, it can be suggested to consider mosaic structure for new orchards to include elements of original biotope, as well as to continue the species' monitoring to track its population trend and the desertification process.