Callophrys paulae Pfeiffer, 1932  
Pfeiffer's Green Hairstreak,  Зеленушка пауля. 

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species is distributed in Asia Minor, North Iran, Southern Transcaucasia, and Talysh Mountains. Armenia is inhabited by the subspecies kolak Higgins, 1965. The only host plant for the species is Onobrychis cornuta, therefore in Armenia the species inhabits those parts of calcareous grasslands, which support that specialized legume plant. The populations of the species can be found mostly in Central, and Southern regions of the country, although the North-western region also hosts an isolated population. The species occurs in the elevation range from 1200 to 2200 m a.s.l. The larvae of the species are specialized to feed on flowers and fruits of  O.cornuta, so the females lay the eggs into flowers. That is why the flight period of the butterflies are attached to the period of blooming of the host plant, which lasts from mid May till end of June (depending on elevation) in a single generation.

Population dynamics:
The species is slightly uncommon on the regular transects within typical habitat, which is particularly related to the behavior of butterflies - they are generally keeping around host plant. Nevertheless it should be stated that the study of population trend did not determine any significant decline. The host plant of the species is a thorny bush and is not influenced by overgrazing, although the general decline of the nectar-suppliers can have an influence on the species. Thus, taking high level of species' specialization into consideration it is recommended to continue its annual monitoring.  

Conservation measures: 
The species has not been evaluated for IUCN Red List, European Red List of Butterflies (2010), and for Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010). Also the species is not included in CITES due to lack of trade interest, and is not included in the Appendices of Bern Convention. Some populations of the species are protected in Khosrov Nature Reserve, Gnishik Community-managed Area, Lake Sevan National Park and Zangezur Biosphere Complex, and also are included in PBAs Gyumorats and Gnisheek. However still there are isolated populations which are located outside the protected ranges. Although there are no ultimate threats for the species and its populations its continuous monitoring is important for tracking trendс for the species and calcareous grasslands.  ​

Photo: K. Aghababyan