| Abstract |
Anthropogenic habitats provide vital resources for various species, among which butterflies are one of the major groups to benefit from semi-natural habitats maintained by human activity for centuries. Focusing on Zerynthia cerisy and Z. polyxena, two related butterfly species with similar ecology, this study evaluates the consequences of the expansion of their host plants to anthropogenic areas, relates butterfly habitat preferences to distinct evolutionary origins, explores the effect of urban environments on the species spreading, and proposes appropriate habitat management. Z. cerisy was strongly associated with residential areas, while Z. polyxena was linked with semi-natural areas close to agricultural fields and water bodies. Z. cerisy preferred human-built zones, more variable precipitation patterns, and exhibited a narrower temperature range. Despite overlapping distribution ranges, the climatic niches of the studied taxa overlap by only 30% in environmental space. Overall, the differences in habitat preferences are explained by different evolutionary origin of the two species, with Mediterranean Z. cerisy using urban settings while temperate zone Z. polyxena occupying natural and semi-natural habitats. This is especially pronounced at the border of Z. cerisy distribution range, where the vicinity of human settlements can provide milder climate required for the species survival. Conservation efforts rely on preserving extremely toxic Aristolochia clematitis host plant, which requires a compromise solution that supports both the target species needs and human well-being. Host plant patches should be managed differently in urban and agricultural areas, sparing the land fragments used for food production from conservation plans and incorporating education campaigns.
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