Zegris eupheme (Esper, 1805)  
Sooty Orange Tip, Zuidelijk oranjetipje, Piéride du raifort, Зегрис эвфема. 

Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: 
The species is distributed from N. Africa, SW. and SE. Europe to E. Kazakhstan, Asia Minor to the Middle East and N. Iran. Armenia is inhabited by subspecies menestho (Ménétriés, 1832). Host plants are: Sinapis, Raphanus, Sisymbrium polymorphum, Camelina laxa,etc. The species is patchy distributed in central and southern regions of Armenia occupying mostly dry grasslands including semi-deserts, and arid steppes, as well as juniper woodlands. In south-eastern Armenia it can occupy tragacanth steppes areas, which are replacing forest on the eroded slopes. Thus the species occupies elevation range from 400 to 2000 m a.s.l. Flight period in Armenia lasts from early April to early June in single generation.

Population dynamics:
The species can be considered as uncommon within typical habitat. The population appears to be stable with slight declining trend that is statistically insignificant though (p>0.5). Although the species has a potential to expand its range during desertification process, which opens forest areas, it appears that the pressure of grazing on the host plant eliminates that advantage. Since the species is rather specialized towards host plant and habitat it potentially can be vulnerable of habitat change and overgrazing.

Conservation measures: 
The species is included in the European Red List, however it has not been evaluated for the last edition of Red Book of Animals of Armenia (2010). Preliminary evaluation of the species for the National Red List estimates its conservation status as Least Concern, however it is important to continue its monitoring as the species appears to be quite sensitive towards environmental changes and intensive grazing practices. The species is not included into CITES as its trade is considered of low interest, but it also not included in the Appendices of Bern Convention, despite on its inclusion in the European Red List. At current local populations of the species are protected in Khosrov State Reserve, Zangezur Biosphere Complex, and Gnisheek Community Protection Area, also it is important to consider integration of non-protected distribution spots in the eco-corridors, in order to secure connection between populations.

Photo: C.R. Pape