Coenonympha symphita Lederer 1870  
Lederer's Heath, Сенница симфита. 

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species has very narrow distribution in North-eastern Turkey, South-western Georgia, and North-western Armenia. Armenia is inhabited by subspecies C. s. karsiana Sheljuzhko, 1929. The larval host-plant is Poa annua. In Armenia the species inhabits calcareous grasslands at Western Pambak Mountains, preferring more humid pars with well developed grass community. Elevation range of the species is quite narrow: between 2000 and 2400 m a.s.l. The butterflies are on wing from mid June (most early individuals occur already in early June) till early to mid July.

Population dynamics:
The species was found in Armenia in 2000 and since that time the data on its distribution and abundance have been recorded in the BCA Database. The species is slightly uncommon within typical habitat and shows some level of population decline. The Lederer's Heath appears to be habitat sensitive, especially taking into account that its larval host plant is is consumable for the livestock. The area is under moderate level of grazing by cattle and sheep, which most probably are causing the observed population decline. Also because the area is a historical monument, weekend picnics are very common here. The latest increases probability of occasional fire, which potentially can destroy this unique habitat with high butterfly diversity.  

Conservation measures: 
The species is not included in the Global and European Red Lists, in Appendix 2 of Bern Convention and in CITES, and also has not been evaluated for the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010). Preliminary assessment of the national conservation status of the species suggests it as Vulnerable. Populations of the species in Turkey and Georgia might face the same threats and therefore assessment of its global conservation status can also be very important. Distribution range of Lederer's Heath in Armenia has no conservation status which places this unique habitat in a dangerous position. The sequence of following activities appear to help in the species' protection: (1) assessment of distribution range of the species as Prime Butterfly Area; (2) assessment of the conservation status of the species; (3) assessment of the new PBA as Emerald Site for further inclusion into international protection under Bern Convention; (4) development of management plan for the area, including change of its conservation status and pasture management practices; (4) development of butterfly-watching in the new PBA and involvement of surrounding communities in hospitality and catering service.

Photo: M. Jones