Thymelicus acteon (Rottemburg, 1775)
Lulworth skipper, Mattscheckige Braun-Dickkopffalter, Hespérie du chiendent, Толстоголовка актеон. 

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species is distributed locally across western and central Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. Host plant is Brachypodium pinnatum.  The Armenian population is isolated from the major population of the species, however the taxonomy on the subspecies level is not studied yet. At current the species is found in two restricted areas located in dry mountain steppe and semi-desert zones, where its specific habitats are humid patches at a clay type of soil with grass vegetation that remains green during entire summer. It occupies elevation range from 1000 to 1500 m a.s.l. Flight period is mainly in August in single generation.

Population dynamics:
The species was first found in Armenia in 2008, and the two sites of its distribution are located outside the main counting routes. Thus, despite on existing of records on its number, the data is not sufficient for estimation of the trend. In the typical habitat the species usually occurs with a low number. The distribution areas of the species attract livestock herds especially in the end of the summer, being only humid and green patches in the larger arid areas. Uncontrolled livestock grazing appears to be a serious threat for the species. Another potential threat (in the northern spot of the species distribution) comes from horticulture that gradually expands its areas, and can occupy the current range of the species as well.

Conservation measures: 
The species has not been evaluated for IUCN Red List. In northern Europe, its numbers and range have strongly declined, which led to the butterfly's status in the Red Book of Butterflies of Europe of Vulnerable. Preliminary evaluation of the species status under criteria of the Red Book of Animals of Armenia demonstrates that the species can be categorized at least as Vulnerable, however it is not yet included in the National Red list. Also the species is not included into CITES or Bern Convention. The most important conservation measures are implementation of the full evaluation process of conservation status of the species, and its acceptance; evaluation of its distribution areas as PBA, as Emerald Site, and as protected area; and development of a management plan of the areas. Also it is important to include the patches of its distribution into regularly counted routes.

Photo: A. Danchenko

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