First data on the butterfly fauna (Lepidoptera, Diurna) of the Bolshie Churki and the Daur Mountain Ranges (Russia, Jewish Autonomous Oblast)

Abstract

Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Diurna) of the Bolshie Churki and Daur Mountain Ranges and their vicinities were studied in the beginning of June and in the second half of July 2008. 88 species from 6 families were recorded, mostly in the Vertoprashiha River upper reaches (76 species). 3 species were recorded in the Jewish autonomous oblast for the first time: Lobocla bifasciata Brem. et Gr. (Hesperiidae), Pieris melete Men. (Pieridae) and Maculinea kurentzovi Sibatani, Saigusa et Hirowatari (Lycaenidae). Bolshie Churki Range is reported as the eastern limit of the range of Hyponephele pasimelas Stgr. (Satyridae) in Amurland. The butterfly fauna of the Bolshie Churki and Daur Ranges resembles that of the Bolshoi Khekhtsir Mt. Range (southern Khabarovsk Krai), but some xerophilous species, namely Hesperia florinda Butl. (Hesperiidae), Parnassius bremeri Feld., P. nomion Fisch. (Papilionidae), Hyponephele pasimelas Stgr. (Satyridae), are absent in Bolshoi Khekhtsir.