Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: This monotypic species is distributed in Southern Transcaucasia. In Armenia it occurs only in Ararat and Vayots Dzor provinces, occupying calcareous mountain steppes at the elevation range from 1500 to 2200 m a.s.l. The larval host plant is Astragalus brachycarpus. The butterflies are on wing from late June till mid August; while males usually move to the watering, the females stay in the core habitat feeding mainly on flowers.
Population dynamics: The species is slightly uncommon within typical habitat, however demonstrates moderate declining population trend during 2003-2013, which is most probably result of overgrazing. The surrounding villages traditionally use the areas as pastures and in conditions of lack of pasture management, the load on the ecosystems is not regulated. It causes elimination of the host plants, and as a result decline of the Surakov's Blues' population. Also a small scale trade of the species should be mentioned.
Conservation measures: The species is not included in the Global and European Red Lists, but in Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010) it is classified as Endangered (B1a+B2a). Meanwhile Surakov's Blue is not included in the CITES and Bern conventions. At current the species' distribution range is pretty much covered by Khosrov Forest State Reserve and Gnishik Protected Landscape, as well as by Emerald Sites Khosrov and Gnishik. Also the species is presented in two Prime Butterfly Areas - Ourtsadzor and Gnisheek, where it can be found on trails Amaghou steppe and Gnishik steppe have. The proposed conservation measures include: (1) development and introduction of habitat-friendly livestock grazing schemes; (2) development of management plan for Gnishik Emerald Site; (3) promotion of butterfly-watching in Khosrov and Gnisheek PBAs for enhancing cooperation with the rural inhabitants, thus providing them with alternative business opportunities - e.g. guesthouse and catering, and bringing final customers closer to the farmers.