Pararge aegeria (Linnaeus, 1758)  
Speckled Wood, Waldbrettspiel, Tircis, Бархатница эгерия.

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species is found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic ecozone. Armenia is inhabited by subspecies P. a. tircis (Godart, 1821). In Armenia the species occurs in deciduous forests of Central, North-eastern and South-western parts of the country, occupying elevation range from 900 to 2200 m a.s.l. Larvae grow on wide variety of Poaceae such as Agropyrum, Triticum repens, Poa, Brachypodium, Dactylus, Lolium, etc. Butterflies are on wing from mid April till early October in several generations.   

Population dynamics:
The density of the species varies depending on conditions of forest and can be considered from slightly uncommon to common within typical habitat. Its population trend during 2003-2013 demonstrates moderate decline. It appears that the species is fairly sensitive towards forest's conditions, in particular it requires shaded areas. In such areas of old growth forest - the Speckled Wood and couple of other species are usually the only butterflies that can be observed. The species demonstrates some level of adaptability - for example it still occurs in low number in rather degraded forest at northern slopes of Arailer mountain, however it is not found in strongly degraded forest of Aragats mountain. Therefore - forest management practice is one of the most important practices that can influence the species in Armenia.

Conservation measures: 
The species is not included in the IUCN Red List and for the Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia; in European Red List it is included as Least Concern. The species is not included in the Annexes of CITES and Bern Convention. In Armenia the species is protected in Khosrov Forest State Reserve, Zangezur Biosphere Complex, and Dilijan National Park. Habitats of the southern population are covered by Lichk and Gyumorats Prime Butterfly Areas. Significant portion of the population is located under property of forestry enterprises and is not protected. Among proposed conservation measures we suggest review of forestry management policy and approaches, as well as setting up a targeted monitoring of the species as good indicator of the forest ecosystems.

Photo: K. Aghababyan