Coenonympha glycerion Borkhausen, 1788  
Chestnut Heath, Rotbraunes Wiesenvogelchen, Fadet de la melique, Сенница сладкая, Գլիցերիոն

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species is widely distributed in temperate Eurasia from Western Europe to Japan. Armenia is inhabited by subspecies C. g. alta Sheljuzhko, 1937, which occurs in wet meadows and bogs of Central and North-western regions, at the elevation range between 2000 and 2500 m a.s.l. Throughout its distribution range, wide variety of grasses, such as Briza, Poa, Brachypodium, Melica, and Cynosurus are known as the larval host plants, however the particular one has not yet been determined for Armenia. The species gives one generation per year, having butterflies on wing from late June till late August.

Population dynamics:
The species is rare even in the typical habitat, although its population trend remains stable in the period of 2003-2013 (p>0.05). Probably the species in Armenia can switch between host plants and it protects the species from grazing and mowing, but the situation can be changed with intensification of grazing. Meanwhile, the high level of habitat specialization makes it potentially vulnerable for the climate change. 

Conservation measures: 
The species is not included in the Global and National Red Lists, but is listed in European Red Book as Least Concern. Also the species is not included in CITES and Bern Conventions. Preliminary assessment of its conservation status suggests it as Vulnerable. The current distribution of the species is covered by Lake Arpi National Park and Lake Arpi and Jajur Emerald Sites, while its population at the Tsaghkounyats Mountains remains unprotected. The following conservation measures are suggested for the species' protection: (1) inclusion of the species in the next edition of Red Book of Animals of Armenia; (2) assessment of all the distribution spots as Prime Butterfly Areas, with further inclusion of the missing ones into Emerald Network; (3) development of management plans for the Emerald Sites; (4) development of habitat friendly grazing and mowing schemes; (5) continuation of the species monitoring for early warning of changes in population dynamics.

Photo: A. Danchenko