Apollo Loxias, Tashkoro subspecies / Loxias kaldyrkany \ Loxias Apollo Butterfly

Apollo Loxias, Tashkoro subspecies

Status: Category II (VUB1ac(v)+2ab(iii)c(v); D2). An isolated subspecies of an extremely locally and sporadically distributed species, which, due to monophagy, singularity, locality, and small population sizes, is vulnerable even in the absence of a decline in numbers. One of three [90] rare representatives of the peculiar subgenus Kailasius (two species in Kyrgyzstan). It represents significant scientific interest in aspects of zoogeography, evolution, study, and conservation of the regional gene pool. One of the most striking and aesthetically valuable species of butterflies.

Brief description of the adult stage appearance. The butterfly is larger than average, with a forewing length of 33-35 mm. The overall tone of the wings is white. The pattern on the forewing consists of two black spots crossing the median cell horizontally near the middle and at the apex, and a grayish submarginal band that splits forward into two branches, the inner of which is significantly reduced and sometimes only developed in the apical third. A glassy transparent border runs along the outer edge of both wings. On the hindwing, there are two small rounded red spots surrounded by a thin black rim, and 4-6 black spots with noticeable blue dusting. The antennae are club-shaped, about one-third the length of the forewing. The body is slender, black, with long light hairs in males. In females, after copulation, a light growth-spermatophore forms at the end of the abdomen from below. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed, with darker bands on the wings being more pronounced in females.

General distribution and in the country. The species has a disjunct, very narrow range and is divided into three subspecies with spotty distribution. The nominative subspecies is known from the territory of China adjacent to Kyrgyzstan (the left bank of the Sary-Jaz River on the southern macro-slope of the Kokshaal-Too range) [88, 90]. The taxonomic status of the subspecies P. l. raskemensis Avinoff, 1916, described from a single female from Western Kunlun (China) [90], and the reliability of its location are unclear. P. l. tashkorensis is found only in Kyrgyzstan [12, 53, 71, 88, 90], in a small area in the basin of the left tributaries of the Sary-Jaz River; it is known from only three populations in the western ends of the Kainy-Katta (Urokkyr mountains) and Inylchek-Too ranges [37].

Habitats. Strictly associated with the habitats of host plants on steep, almost vertical, dry and eroded, clayey-stony slopes in the middle mountain belt, predominantly of eastern exposure [53, 28], at altitudes of 2500-3100 m above sea level.

Population. During mass flight, one to three butterflies are observed per 1000 m² in undisturbed habitats, and the total area occupied by the subspecies is less than 20 km² [53]. Life style (life cycles). Monovoltine species. The velvety-black first-instar caterpillars overwinter without leaving the egg shells [53]. The caterpillars are nocturnal, feeding on the leaves of Corydalis krasnovi Mikhailova (family Fumariaceae), hiding under stones during the day [53]. The flight of imagos occurs in breeding sites from mid-June to mid-August; butterflies are most active at noon, feeding on nectar from wild onion (Allium) and composite flowers (Sonchus, Centaurea, Ligularia). Females lay eggs on stones near host plants [53].

Limiting factors. Sedentary lifestyle and inability to migrate [53], fragmentation of populations, small size of the habitat area, and monophagy of caterpillars. Populations of host plants are in an erosion danger zone, and biotopes are potentially threatened by overgrazing, mining, etc. Natural enemies, competitors, and diseases have not been studied.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.

Existing conservation measures. Not developed. Currently, the habitats of P. l. tashkorensis are not protected.

Recommended conservation measures. Micro-reserves should be created in the habitats to identify the reproductive potential of populations, conduct monitoring, and regulate the load on vegetation. The possibility of expanding the range, including through artificial introduction, should be explored.

Loxias kaldyrkany

Loxias Apollo Butterfly
Parnassius (Kailasius) loxias Pьngeler, 1901 ssp. tashkorensis Kreuzberg, 1984
Status: Vulnerable (VU B1ac(v)+2ab(iii)c(v); D2 - Category II), one of three subspecies of very local species endemic to Central Tien Shan; noticeable large butterfly of aesthetic value. All three species of the olygotypic subgenus have scientific zoogeographical importance and for preservation of the world genetic fund. Butterflies occur from the middle of June to mid-August on steep precipitous stony and clayey eroded slopes with sparse vegetation and host-plants (Corydalis krasnovi), at 2,500-3,100 m above sea level. Number and especially areas of occupancy are small. Limiting factors: narrow endemism and monophagy, possibly excessive pasturage and destruction of biotopes. It is out of any protection, but the degree of anthropogenic disturbance of habitats is not critical at the present time. Monitoring in created micro-reservations, study of the reproductive ability, and possibilities for the introduction are necessary for the conservation of the species.