Population ecology of butterflies

Mark-Release-Recapture is a commonly used method to collect meaningful data on the population ecology of butterflies. An intensive mark-release-recapture campaign was carried out on four selected butterfly species with different ecological admixture and ecological amplitude (Junonia oenone, Byblia ilithyia, Junonia natalica, Bicyclus safitza). For this, individuals were captured, marked with a waterproof pen, and then geolocated with a GPS device - subsequently released. Thus, by recaptures during the following days, information on population ecology were acquired. In addition, a detailed land use mapping was done for the study area. These two datasets were then blended and based on the data collected, it is possible to derive specific inferences regarding population structure, mobility, and habitat use. This working package was conducted by Melina Milidakis, Sophia Lindorfer (both PLUS) and Suzann Ohl (SDEI), under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Jan Christian Habel (PLUS), Dr. Mike Teucher (MLU Halle) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Schmitt (SDEI).