Dynamics of gamma diversity and abundance of diurnal butterflies (Lepidoptera, Papilionoformes) in the Nizhny Novgorod Region (Russia) under anthropogenic changes in landscapes over the last hundred years

Abstract

The hundred-year dynamics of gamma diversity and butterflies’ abundance have been assessed for the first time in Russia for the Nizhny Novgorod Region. According to analyzed data, we forecast that no significant change in the number of 104 species of butterflies is expected, the number of 33 species in the near future is likely to increase, and the number of 11 species will continue to decline in the near future. A decrease in abundance of 23 steppe and arcto-boreal species is also expected. The reasons for the decrease in the number of species are considered, supported by the long-term monitoring dataset. Extrapolation of our conclusions for Russian regions with similar conditions (Kirov, Ivanovsk, Vladimir, Kostroma, Penza, and Ulyanovsk regions and the Republics of Mari El, Chuvash, and Mordovia), taking into account the natural conditions of these areas, seems applicable and promising.

Keywords

• diurnal butterflies
• volga river region
• fauna
• historical perspective