Polyommatus eriwanensis (Forster, 1960)  
Erivan Anomalous Blue, Голубянка ереванская, Երևանյան կապտաթիթեռ

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species is endemic of Southern Transcaucasia, which is so far found only in Armenia, although it is assumed that it could be found also at Nakhichevan site of Vayots Dzor Mountains. In Armenia the species inhabits calcareous grasslands at the elevation range from 1200 to 2200 m a.s.l. The host plant of the species is still not known. The Erivan Anomalous Blue gives one generation per year, the butterflies are on wing from mid June till mid July, depending on elevation.

Population dynamics:
Due to difficulties in field identification and unknown host plant, the only counting is possible at the watering places, via capturing specimens, and sometimes counting the butterflies at the roosting sites. Via those methods it is possible to conclude that the species is relatively common at the watched sites, however its density within the core habitat still cannot be estimated. The population trend also cannot be computed due to the mentioned reasons. Therefore, at current it is hard to assess the specific threats for the species in Armenia.

Conservation measures: 
The species is not included in the Global and European Red Lists, however is listed in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010) as Endangered (B1a+B2a). Also it is not included in annexes of Bern and CITES conventions. Distribution range of the species is partly covered by Khosrov Forest State Reserve and Gnishik Protected Landscape. Also the species is presented in Gnisheek, Ourtsadzor, and Geghadir Prime Butterfly Areas. Among proposed conservation measures it should be suggested to study the biological traits of the species, including determination of the larval host plant, study of its ecology, and assessment of threats. After that, it should be possible to develop sufficient mitigation measures.

Photo: A. Danchenko

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