Lepidoptera and Conservation

Tim New is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Melbourne. He has written extensively on insectconservation, including volumes on Hymenoptera (2012) and beetles (2010) both published by Wiley-Blackwell. An entomologist with wide interests in insect conservation, systematics and ecology, he is recognised as one of the leading advocates for the importance of insects in conservation.

“For this reason, it will serve as an important introduction to Lepidoptera conservation for graduate students and biologists, as well as a reference for conservation practitioners.”  (The Quarterly Review of Biology, 1 December 2015)“As with New’s previous books, this is well written, easy-to-understand, comprehensive, and highly organized, providing a valuable overview of the challenges and goals associated with conservation efforts.  Summing Up: Highly recommended.  Upper-division undergraduates and above; general readers.”  (Choice, 1 October 2014)

• Preface viii Acknowledgements xiii1 Lepidoptera and Invertebrate Conservation 1Introduction 1Biological background 3Sources of information 112 The Diversity of Lepidoptera 16Introduction 16Distinguishing taxa 19Drivers of diversity 283 Causes for Concern 32Introduction: Historical background 32Extinctions and declines 334 Support for Flagship Taxa 40Introduction 40Community endeavour 41Flagships 445 Studying and Sampling Lepidoptera for Conservation 48Introduction 48Sampling methods 50Interpretation for conservation 64Priorities amongst species 66Priority for conservation 71Species to areas 76Critical faunas 82Related approaches 856 Population Structures and Dynamics 94Introduction: Distinguishing populations 94Metapopulation biology 97Vulnerability 1087 Understanding Habitats 117Introduction: The meaning of ‘habitat’ 117Habitat loss 1238 Communities and Assemblages 142Introduction: Expanding the context 142‘Vulnerable groups’ 144Habitats and landscapes 147Assessing changes 152Forests 152Agriculture 153Urbanisation 1559 Single Species Studies: Benefits and Limitations 161Introduction 161Some case histories 168The Large blue butterfly, Maculinea arion, in England 169The Large copper butterfly, Lycaena dispar, in England 170The Brenton blue butterfly, Orachrysops niobe, in South Africa 172The Richmond birdwing butterfly, Ornithoptera richmondia, in Australia 173The Golden sun-moth, Synemon plana, in south-eastern Australia 174The New Forest burnet moth, Zygaena viciae, in Scotland 175The Essex emerald moth, Thetidia smaragdaria maritima, in England 176The Fabulous green sphinx of Kaua’i, Tinostoma smaragditis, in Hawai’i 177Blackburn’s sphinx moth, Manduca blackburni, in Hawai’i 177Variety of contexts 17910 Ex Situ Conservation 183Introduction: Contexts and needs 183Lepidoptera in captivity 187Inbreeding 188Pathogens 189Translocations and quality control 190Assisted colonisation 19211 Lepidoptera and Protective Legislation 197Introduction 197Prohibition of collecting 20112 Defining and Alleviating Threats: Recovery Planning 206Introduction: The variety of threats to Lepidoptera 206Alien species 207Diseases 209Climate change 210Exploitation for human need 214Light pollution 217Pesticides 218Habitat manipulation and management 219Grazing 225Mowing 228Coppicing 229Burning 22913 Assessing Conservation Progress, Outcomes and Prospects 241Introduction 241Monitoring conservation progress 242Indicators 246Future priorities and needs 255Index 260