Management Diversification Increases Habitat Availability for Lepidoptera Papilionoidea in Torretes Biological Station (Spain)

Diurnal butterflies (Papilionoidea), considered bioindicators of habitat conservation status, are one of the groups used to assess the impact of habitat management and improvement efforts in the Biological Station of Torretes (Ibi, Alicante, Spain). This area also houses the Botanical Garden of the University of Alicante. The study focused on the period from autumn 2022 to late spring 2023, comparing butterfly diversity and abundance data from the current study with historical data. Our results highlight that open spaces and the availability of trophic resources (nutritional plants) were key factors influencing the richness and abundance of Papilionoidea. The program for the creation and maintenance of new habitats at the Biological Station has increased spatial heterogeneity and the availability of trophic resources, which has led to a significant increase in the richness and abundance of diurnal butterflies in a short period. To support the conservation of Mediterranean ecosystems, entomofauna in general, and Papilionoidea in particular, are proposed as model groups for designing conservation projects based on traditional habitat management. These projects should promote spatial heterogeneity, include programs to enrich plant diversity, and be complemented by environmental education and outreach initiatives.