Effect of grazing intensity on the habitat of Shijimiaeoides divinus asonis (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

摘要

The population of a lycaenid, Shijimiaeoides divinus asonis (Matsumura) has been reduced by environmental changes in some habitats in the Aso area. We conducted route census surveys of this butterfly in 2006 and 2007. The study area is located on thevolcanic slopes of Mt Aso in the center of Kyushu, Japan. At the study site, the natural herbaceous grassland, which had been almost completely grazed, was subjected to routine grassland burning every spring. The results obtained are summarized as follow