S. Bonelli | Università degli Studi di Torino (original) (raw)
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Papers by S. Bonelli
Biodiversity and Conservation, 2011
“Farfalle in Tour” is a completely new citizen science project that starts from citizen and not f... more “Farfalle in Tour” is a completely new citizen science project that starts from citizen and not from scientists. In fact the project was born from a particularly group of citizen: doctors and users of mental health centers of Turin. The project is a metaphor: like the butterflies that need flying from one green area to another and meet each others, taking care of them together is the necessary enrichment to come out from a relational isolation, which feeds the pleasure to do things together. So mental-care users and the staff of educators became available to the science and have developed the project that gets them involved in the activities. Mental health centers of Turin are surrounded by green spaces so far uncultivated or managed to urban garden. Through the 'Farfalle in Tour' project, green areas are transformed into oases attractive to butterflies with nectar sources (i.e native Thymus, Oreganum, Lavandula) and foodplants (i.e Plantago, Ferula, Crataegus). Butterflies that reach the oases are annotated and photographed by patients. All the data are validated by scientists and published on the website. The project involves also primary schools, where patient and student observe the development of some visible species like Papilio machaon and Aglais urticae. The final aim of the project is to create a network of green areas with the participation of public and private social institutions, actively involved in the care, that provide places to meet, create new relationships and transform the urban architecture in a permeable barrier for butterflies.
The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do n... more The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN, Butterfly Conservation or the European Union concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN, Butterfly Conservation or European Union.
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2021
Polyommatus exuberans is an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the lycaenid butterfly Polyo... more Polyommatus exuberans is an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the lycaenid butterfly Polyommatus ripartii. This ESU is known to survive at only two sites in the Susa Valley (NW Italy). Lack of correct management, reforestation and frequent wildfires severely threaten this ESU (listed as endangered species in the most recent IUCN Italian Red List). Although the taxonomic rank of this taxon is still debated, current threats could cause extinction of its two remaining populations before its taxonomic rank and its ecology are clarified. We collected data for the first time on this population at the small site of Mompantero (ab. 10 ha). We used butterfly GPS-positioning and the mark-release-recapture (MRR)-method to estimate its population size (269 individuals), sex-ratio (1.36 M/F), lifespan (4.76 days), density (47/ha) and mobility (median 153 and 33 m for males and females, respectively). Both sexes are equally catchable. Catchability increases around midday and decreases duri...
Journal of Insect Biodiversity, 2020
Here we report the strong decline of a population of the endangered species Parnassius mnemosyne ... more Here we report the strong decline of a population of the endangered species Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in the National Park of Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna (Italy). We compared historical presence data (before 1969) with current data from two years of monitoring (2018–2019) and provided evidence of a drastic reduction in the number of sites inhabited by the species. A preliminary assessment suggested that the population of P. mmemosyne occurring in the Park is limited to a few individuals. We argue that the population of this iconic and charismatic butterfly is at the verge of extinction in this National Park, probably because of a combination of habitat loss (i.e. decrease in size and number of areas of open grassland on the mountain belt) and climatic changes. Being one of the few populations of P. mnemosyne in the Northern Apennines, the implementation of protection measures is a high conservation priority. Several other...
Ecological Studies, 2003
ABSTRACT
Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009
SUMMARY Rapid, effective communication between colony members is a key attribute that enables ant... more SUMMARY Rapid, effective communication between colony members is a key attribute that enables ants to live in dominant, fiercely protected societies. Their signals, however, may be mimicked by other insects that coexist as commensals with ants or interact with them as mutualists or social parasites. We consider the role of acoustics in ant communication and its exploitation by social parasites. Social parasitism has been studied mainly in the butterfly genus Maculinea, the final instar larvae of which are host-specific parasites of Myrmica ants, preying either on ant grubs (predatory Maculinea) or being fed by trophallaxis (cuckoo Maculinea). We found similar significant differences between the stridulations of model queen and worker ant castes in both Myrmica sabuleti and Myrmica scabrinodis to that previously reported for Myrmica schencki. However, the sounds made by queens of all three Myrmica species were indistinguishable, and among workers, stridulations did not differ signifi...
PLoS ONE, 2013
There is increasing evidence that most parapatric cryptic/sister taxa are reproductively compatib... more There is increasing evidence that most parapatric cryptic/sister taxa are reproductively compatible across their areas of contact. Consequently, the biological species concept, which assumes absence of interbreeding, is becoming a not so effective criterion in evolutionary ecology. Nevertheless, the few parapatric sister taxa showing complete reproductive barriers represent interesting models to study speciation processes and the evolution of reproductive isolation. In this study, we examined contact populations in northwestern Italy of two butterfly species, Zerynthia polyxena and Z. cassandra, characterized by different genitalic morphotypes. We studied levels of divergence among 21 populations distributed from Sicily to France using three genetic markers (the mitochondrial COI and ND1 genes and the nuclear wingless gene) and genitalic geometric morphometrics. Moreover, we performed species distribution modelling to estimate different climatic requirements of Z. polyxena and Z. cassandra. We projected climatic data into glacial maximum scenarios in order to verify if and to which extent glacial cycles could have contributed to speciation processes. Genetic and morphometric analyses identified two main groups. All specimens showed a concordant pattern of diversification, including those individuals sampled in the contact area. Haplotype distribution and climatic models showed that during glacial maxima both species experienced a strong range contraction and presumably remained separated into different microrefugia in southern France, in the Italian Peninsula and on the islands of Elba and Sicily. Long term separation was probably favoured by reduced dispersal ability and high phylopatry, while genitalic diversification probably favoured interbreeding avoidance. Conversely, the aposematic wing pattern remained almost identical. We compared our results with those obtained in other species and concluded that Z. polyxena and Z. cassandra represent a valuable model in the study of speciation.
Oecologia, 2009
The relative contribution of density-dependent regulation and environmental stochasticity to the ... more The relative contribution of density-dependent regulation and environmental stochasticity to the temporal dynamics of animal populations is one of the central issues of ecology. In insects, the primary role of the latter factor, typically represented by weather patterns, is widely accepted. We have evaluated the impact of density dependence as well as density-independent factors, including weather and mowing regime, on annual fluctuations of butterfly populations. As model species, we used Maculinea alcon and M. teleius living in sympatry and, consequently, we also analysed the effect of their potential competition. Density dependence alone explained 62 and 42% of the variation in the year-to-year trends of M. alcon and M. teleius, respectively. The cumulative Akaike weight of models with density dependence, which can be interpreted as the probability that this factor should be contained in the most appropriate population dynamics model, exceeded 0.97 for both species. In contrast, the impacts of inter-specific competition, mowing regime and weather were much weaker, with their cumulative weights being in the range of 0.08-0.21; in addition, each of these factors explained only 2-5% of additional variation in Maculinea population trends. Our results provide strong evidence for density-dependent regulation in Maculinea, while the influence of environmental stochasticity is rather minor. In the light of several recent studies on other butterflies that detected significant density-dependent effects, it would appear that density-dependent regulation may be more widespread in this group than previously thought, while the role of environmental stochasticity has probably been overestimated. We suggest that this misconception is the result of deficiencies in the design of most butterfly population studies in the past, including (1) a strong focus on adults and a neglect of the larval stage in which density-dependent effects are most likely to occur; (2) an almost exclusive reliance on transect count results that may confound the impact of environmental stochasticity on butterfly numbers with its impact on adult longevity.
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2012
ABSTRACT Globally, Euphydryas maturna is a polyphagous butterfly species. At our study sites in I... more ABSTRACT Globally, Euphydryas maturna is a polyphagous butterfly species. At our study sites in Italy and Germany however, the plant used for egg-laying was almost exclusively Fraxinus excelsior. Nevertheless, in Germany, two egg-batches were found on Ligustrum vulgare and one on Viburnum opulus. Females lay their egg-batches at low heights and mostly on small trees (but not <1 m). At the end of the flight season, small egg-batches are laid and we conclude that these are late batches laid by “old females”. Egg-batches and pre-diapause larval webs are often clustered on certain trees and even leaves. This was shown to be a result of female behaviour and not of habitat quality, since the trees chosen were different in subsequent years. Individual females may return for laying further egg-batches to the place of the first egg-deposition and other females follow, since the survival of pre-diapause larvae is higher when more larval webs are on one tree. A further possible advantage during hibernation is discussed. In Italy, post-hibernation larvae form two distinct cohorts: larvae feeding on herbaceous plants (Plantago major, P. minor, Veronica hederifolia), and larvae feeding on Fraxinus excelsior. Although the latter group starts feeding later and pupates later, it reaches the same pupation weight. At our German site, post-hibernation larvae were found almost exclusively on F. excelsior. In fact, we observed larvae searching for food on F. excelsior while the buds of this tree were still closed. We also found larvae searching for food in the herbal layer without finding suitable plants. In some areas, larvae have to wait for the buds of the ash tree to open. Our data suggest that conservation strategies for E. maturna must be site specific according to food plant use of pre- and post-hibernation larvae and habitat type.
![Research paper thumbnail of Habitat preferences ofPapilio alexanorEsper, [1800]: implications for habitat management in the Italian Maritime Alps](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/98975433/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Zoosystema, 2015
Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800] is a threatened European butterfly species listed in Annex IV of t... more Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800] is a threatened European butterfly species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive and in Appendix II of the Bern Convention, being considered extremely vulnerable to climate change. According to some projections (e.g., Bambu, a scenario of moderate climate change), it would be expected to lose 63% of its European climatic niche by the year 2050 and 77% by 2080. The few remaining populations are expected to become concentrated in the Maritime Alps. In 2009 and 2010, we studied what is probably the densest P. alexanor population in the Italian part of this area. It occurs in a series of dry, xerothermic grasslands, also partially occupied by an abandoned limestone quarry, where the larval food plant is Ptychotis saxifraga (L.) Loret & Barrandon. Females lay eggs in July, choosing patches where the food plants are higher and more abundant. The habitat preference, conservation status and survival of the early instars larvae of P. alexanor have been investigated in order to draw up conservation strategies for this species in the Italian Maritime Alps. rÉsUMÉ Préférences d'habitat de Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800]: implications pour la gestion de l'habitat dans les Alpes-Maritimes Italiennes. Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800] est un papillon diurne menacé en Europe et inscrit à l'Annexe IV de la Directive Habitats dans l'Appendice II de la Convention de Berne. Cette espèce est considérée comme particulièrement sensible aux changements climatiques. Selon quelques projections (ex. Bambu, un scénario de changement climatique modéré), elle serait susceptible de perdre 63 % de sa niche climatique européenne d'ici à l'année 2050 et jusqu'à 77 % d'ici à 2080. On peut s'attendre à ce que les quelques populations survivantes soient concentrées dans les Alpes maritimes. En 2009 et 2010, nous avons étudié la population de P. alexanor probablement la plus dense parmi celles qui habitent la portion italienne de ce territoire. Elle occupe une série de friches semi-naturelles aussi bien qu'une
Psyche: A Journal of Entomology, 2012
About 10,000 arthropod species live as ants' social parasites and have evolved a number of me... more About 10,000 arthropod species live as ants' social parasites and have evolved a number of mechanisms allowing them to penetrate and survive inside the ant nests.Myrmicacolonies, in particular, are exploited by numerous social parasites, and the presence of their overwintering brood, as well as of their polygyny, contributes to make them more vulnerable to infestation. Butterflies of the genusMaculineaare among the most investigatedMyrmicainquilines. These lycaenids are known for their very complex biological cycles.Maculineaspecies are obligated parasites that depend on a particular food plant and on a specificMyrmicaspecies for their survival.Maculinealarvae are adopted byMyrmicaants, which are induced to take them into their nests by chemical mimicry. Then the parasite spends the following 11–23 months inside the ants' nest. Mimicking the acoustic emission of the queen ants,Maculineaparasites not only manage to become integrated, but attain highest rank within the colony....
Changing Diversity in Changing Environment, 2011
Biodiversity and Conservation, 2011
“Farfalle in Tour” is a completely new citizen science project that starts from citizen and not f... more “Farfalle in Tour” is a completely new citizen science project that starts from citizen and not from scientists. In fact the project was born from a particularly group of citizen: doctors and users of mental health centers of Turin. The project is a metaphor: like the butterflies that need flying from one green area to another and meet each others, taking care of them together is the necessary enrichment to come out from a relational isolation, which feeds the pleasure to do things together. So mental-care users and the staff of educators became available to the science and have developed the project that gets them involved in the activities. Mental health centers of Turin are surrounded by green spaces so far uncultivated or managed to urban garden. Through the 'Farfalle in Tour' project, green areas are transformed into oases attractive to butterflies with nectar sources (i.e native Thymus, Oreganum, Lavandula) and foodplants (i.e Plantago, Ferula, Crataegus). Butterflies that reach the oases are annotated and photographed by patients. All the data are validated by scientists and published on the website. The project involves also primary schools, where patient and student observe the development of some visible species like Papilio machaon and Aglais urticae. The final aim of the project is to create a network of green areas with the participation of public and private social institutions, actively involved in the care, that provide places to meet, create new relationships and transform the urban architecture in a permeable barrier for butterflies.
The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do n... more The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN, Butterfly Conservation or the European Union concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN, Butterfly Conservation or European Union.
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2021
Polyommatus exuberans is an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the lycaenid butterfly Polyo... more Polyommatus exuberans is an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the lycaenid butterfly Polyommatus ripartii. This ESU is known to survive at only two sites in the Susa Valley (NW Italy). Lack of correct management, reforestation and frequent wildfires severely threaten this ESU (listed as endangered species in the most recent IUCN Italian Red List). Although the taxonomic rank of this taxon is still debated, current threats could cause extinction of its two remaining populations before its taxonomic rank and its ecology are clarified. We collected data for the first time on this population at the small site of Mompantero (ab. 10 ha). We used butterfly GPS-positioning and the mark-release-recapture (MRR)-method to estimate its population size (269 individuals), sex-ratio (1.36 M/F), lifespan (4.76 days), density (47/ha) and mobility (median 153 and 33 m for males and females, respectively). Both sexes are equally catchable. Catchability increases around midday and decreases duri...
Journal of Insect Biodiversity, 2020
Here we report the strong decline of a population of the endangered species Parnassius mnemosyne ... more Here we report the strong decline of a population of the endangered species Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in the National Park of Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna (Italy). We compared historical presence data (before 1969) with current data from two years of monitoring (2018–2019) and provided evidence of a drastic reduction in the number of sites inhabited by the species. A preliminary assessment suggested that the population of P. mmemosyne occurring in the Park is limited to a few individuals. We argue that the population of this iconic and charismatic butterfly is at the verge of extinction in this National Park, probably because of a combination of habitat loss (i.e. decrease in size and number of areas of open grassland on the mountain belt) and climatic changes. Being one of the few populations of P. mnemosyne in the Northern Apennines, the implementation of protection measures is a high conservation priority. Several other...
Ecological Studies, 2003
ABSTRACT
Journal of Experimental Biology, 2009
SUMMARY Rapid, effective communication between colony members is a key attribute that enables ant... more SUMMARY Rapid, effective communication between colony members is a key attribute that enables ants to live in dominant, fiercely protected societies. Their signals, however, may be mimicked by other insects that coexist as commensals with ants or interact with them as mutualists or social parasites. We consider the role of acoustics in ant communication and its exploitation by social parasites. Social parasitism has been studied mainly in the butterfly genus Maculinea, the final instar larvae of which are host-specific parasites of Myrmica ants, preying either on ant grubs (predatory Maculinea) or being fed by trophallaxis (cuckoo Maculinea). We found similar significant differences between the stridulations of model queen and worker ant castes in both Myrmica sabuleti and Myrmica scabrinodis to that previously reported for Myrmica schencki. However, the sounds made by queens of all three Myrmica species were indistinguishable, and among workers, stridulations did not differ signifi...
PLoS ONE, 2013
There is increasing evidence that most parapatric cryptic/sister taxa are reproductively compatib... more There is increasing evidence that most parapatric cryptic/sister taxa are reproductively compatible across their areas of contact. Consequently, the biological species concept, which assumes absence of interbreeding, is becoming a not so effective criterion in evolutionary ecology. Nevertheless, the few parapatric sister taxa showing complete reproductive barriers represent interesting models to study speciation processes and the evolution of reproductive isolation. In this study, we examined contact populations in northwestern Italy of two butterfly species, Zerynthia polyxena and Z. cassandra, characterized by different genitalic morphotypes. We studied levels of divergence among 21 populations distributed from Sicily to France using three genetic markers (the mitochondrial COI and ND1 genes and the nuclear wingless gene) and genitalic geometric morphometrics. Moreover, we performed species distribution modelling to estimate different climatic requirements of Z. polyxena and Z. cassandra. We projected climatic data into glacial maximum scenarios in order to verify if and to which extent glacial cycles could have contributed to speciation processes. Genetic and morphometric analyses identified two main groups. All specimens showed a concordant pattern of diversification, including those individuals sampled in the contact area. Haplotype distribution and climatic models showed that during glacial maxima both species experienced a strong range contraction and presumably remained separated into different microrefugia in southern France, in the Italian Peninsula and on the islands of Elba and Sicily. Long term separation was probably favoured by reduced dispersal ability and high phylopatry, while genitalic diversification probably favoured interbreeding avoidance. Conversely, the aposematic wing pattern remained almost identical. We compared our results with those obtained in other species and concluded that Z. polyxena and Z. cassandra represent a valuable model in the study of speciation.
Oecologia, 2009
The relative contribution of density-dependent regulation and environmental stochasticity to the ... more The relative contribution of density-dependent regulation and environmental stochasticity to the temporal dynamics of animal populations is one of the central issues of ecology. In insects, the primary role of the latter factor, typically represented by weather patterns, is widely accepted. We have evaluated the impact of density dependence as well as density-independent factors, including weather and mowing regime, on annual fluctuations of butterfly populations. As model species, we used Maculinea alcon and M. teleius living in sympatry and, consequently, we also analysed the effect of their potential competition. Density dependence alone explained 62 and 42% of the variation in the year-to-year trends of M. alcon and M. teleius, respectively. The cumulative Akaike weight of models with density dependence, which can be interpreted as the probability that this factor should be contained in the most appropriate population dynamics model, exceeded 0.97 for both species. In contrast, the impacts of inter-specific competition, mowing regime and weather were much weaker, with their cumulative weights being in the range of 0.08-0.21; in addition, each of these factors explained only 2-5% of additional variation in Maculinea population trends. Our results provide strong evidence for density-dependent regulation in Maculinea, while the influence of environmental stochasticity is rather minor. In the light of several recent studies on other butterflies that detected significant density-dependent effects, it would appear that density-dependent regulation may be more widespread in this group than previously thought, while the role of environmental stochasticity has probably been overestimated. We suggest that this misconception is the result of deficiencies in the design of most butterfly population studies in the past, including (1) a strong focus on adults and a neglect of the larval stage in which density-dependent effects are most likely to occur; (2) an almost exclusive reliance on transect count results that may confound the impact of environmental stochasticity on butterfly numbers with its impact on adult longevity.
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2012
ABSTRACT Globally, Euphydryas maturna is a polyphagous butterfly species. At our study sites in I... more ABSTRACT Globally, Euphydryas maturna is a polyphagous butterfly species. At our study sites in Italy and Germany however, the plant used for egg-laying was almost exclusively Fraxinus excelsior. Nevertheless, in Germany, two egg-batches were found on Ligustrum vulgare and one on Viburnum opulus. Females lay their egg-batches at low heights and mostly on small trees (but not <1 m). At the end of the flight season, small egg-batches are laid and we conclude that these are late batches laid by “old females”. Egg-batches and pre-diapause larval webs are often clustered on certain trees and even leaves. This was shown to be a result of female behaviour and not of habitat quality, since the trees chosen were different in subsequent years. Individual females may return for laying further egg-batches to the place of the first egg-deposition and other females follow, since the survival of pre-diapause larvae is higher when more larval webs are on one tree. A further possible advantage during hibernation is discussed. In Italy, post-hibernation larvae form two distinct cohorts: larvae feeding on herbaceous plants (Plantago major, P. minor, Veronica hederifolia), and larvae feeding on Fraxinus excelsior. Although the latter group starts feeding later and pupates later, it reaches the same pupation weight. At our German site, post-hibernation larvae were found almost exclusively on F. excelsior. In fact, we observed larvae searching for food on F. excelsior while the buds of this tree were still closed. We also found larvae searching for food in the herbal layer without finding suitable plants. In some areas, larvae have to wait for the buds of the ash tree to open. Our data suggest that conservation strategies for E. maturna must be site specific according to food plant use of pre- and post-hibernation larvae and habitat type.
Zoosystema, 2015
Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800] is a threatened European butterfly species listed in Annex IV of t... more Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800] is a threatened European butterfly species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive and in Appendix II of the Bern Convention, being considered extremely vulnerable to climate change. According to some projections (e.g., Bambu, a scenario of moderate climate change), it would be expected to lose 63% of its European climatic niche by the year 2050 and 77% by 2080. The few remaining populations are expected to become concentrated in the Maritime Alps. In 2009 and 2010, we studied what is probably the densest P. alexanor population in the Italian part of this area. It occurs in a series of dry, xerothermic grasslands, also partially occupied by an abandoned limestone quarry, where the larval food plant is Ptychotis saxifraga (L.) Loret & Barrandon. Females lay eggs in July, choosing patches where the food plants are higher and more abundant. The habitat preference, conservation status and survival of the early instars larvae of P. alexanor have been investigated in order to draw up conservation strategies for this species in the Italian Maritime Alps. rÉsUMÉ Préférences d'habitat de Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800]: implications pour la gestion de l'habitat dans les Alpes-Maritimes Italiennes. Papilio alexanor Esper, [1800] est un papillon diurne menacé en Europe et inscrit à l'Annexe IV de la Directive Habitats dans l'Appendice II de la Convention de Berne. Cette espèce est considérée comme particulièrement sensible aux changements climatiques. Selon quelques projections (ex. Bambu, un scénario de changement climatique modéré), elle serait susceptible de perdre 63 % de sa niche climatique européenne d'ici à l'année 2050 et jusqu'à 77 % d'ici à 2080. On peut s'attendre à ce que les quelques populations survivantes soient concentrées dans les Alpes maritimes. En 2009 et 2010, nous avons étudié la population de P. alexanor probablement la plus dense parmi celles qui habitent la portion italienne de ce territoire. Elle occupe une série de friches semi-naturelles aussi bien qu'une
Psyche: A Journal of Entomology, 2012
About 10,000 arthropod species live as ants' social parasites and have evolved a number of me... more About 10,000 arthropod species live as ants' social parasites and have evolved a number of mechanisms allowing them to penetrate and survive inside the ant nests.Myrmicacolonies, in particular, are exploited by numerous social parasites, and the presence of their overwintering brood, as well as of their polygyny, contributes to make them more vulnerable to infestation. Butterflies of the genusMaculineaare among the most investigatedMyrmicainquilines. These lycaenids are known for their very complex biological cycles.Maculineaspecies are obligated parasites that depend on a particular food plant and on a specificMyrmicaspecies for their survival.Maculinealarvae are adopted byMyrmicaants, which are induced to take them into their nests by chemical mimicry. Then the parasite spends the following 11–23 months inside the ants' nest. Mimicking the acoustic emission of the queen ants,Maculineaparasites not only manage to become integrated, but attain highest rank within the colony....
Changing Diversity in Changing Environment, 2011
ECSA (European Citizen Science Association) Conference 2020, 2020
Farfalle in ToUr is an innovative Citizen Science project that promotes social inclusion through ... more Farfalle in ToUr is an innovative Citizen Science project that promotes social inclusion through butterfly conservation in Turin urban areas (NW Italy). The project was born in 2014 thanks to the proposal of doctors of Mental Health Centres, who immediately involved scientists. Farfalle in ToUr involves fragile people, in all the project activities: creating butterfly gardens with suitable native plants, observing and recording butterflies, managing the website, training other volunteers, engaging stakeholders. Creating connections between green areas means at first allowing butterflies to overcome urban barriers, and at the same time, helping users to fight isolation and social stigma.
Conference: Butterfly Conservation 8th International Symposium, 2018
Originally from Southern Africa, Geranium Bronze (Cacyreus marshalli) is an invasive species in E... more Originally from Southern Africa, Geranium Bronze (Cacyreus marshalli) is an invasive species in Europe, where its larvae pest Pelargonium spp. Because of the potential threat for native Geranium-consuming lycaenids (Quacchia et al. 2008) to evaluate the risk of naturalisation, we investigate in Gran Paradiso National Park: i) C. marshalli current population size; ii) Pelargonium distribution and abundance; iii) Dispersal abilities of gravid females; iv) Current distribution, through the application of Species Distribution Models (Maxent). We selected 30 study sites, within an isolation (distance from towns) and food plant density gradient. We checked 258 Pelargonium plants and about 53% of them were colonised. The analysis of C. marshalli presence showed that eggs density is higher in areas with lower food plant density. Peripheral areas revealed a lower occurrence of eggs compared to town centre and also the number of residents positively influenced the colonization rate. Females are able to overcome barriers, as trees, but the risk of spreading into natural high altitude areas currently emerges as low. Indeed, about 1% of the protected area has a probability of presence for the species above 0.5 (the peak of presence probability is around 1000 m a.s.l., with a constant decrease at higher altitude).
Future 4 Butterflies In Europe - International Symposium, 2016
“Farfalle in Tour” is a completely new citizen science project that starts from citizen and not f... more “Farfalle in Tour” is a completely new citizen science project that starts from citizen and not from scientists. In fact the project was born from a particularly group of citizen: doctors and users of mental health centers of Turin. The project is a metaphor: like the butterflies that need flying from one green area to another and meet each others, taking care of them together is the necessary enrichment to come out from a relational isolation, which feeds the pleasure to do things together. So mental-care users and the staff of educators became available to the science and have developed the project that gets them involved in the activities. Mental health centers of Turin are surrounded by green spaces so far uncultivated or managed to urban garden. Through the 'Farfalle in Tour' project, green areas are transformed into oases attractive to butterflies with nectar sources (i.e native Thymus, Oreganum, Lavandula) and foodplants (i.e Plantago, Ferula, Crataegus). Butterflies that reach the oases are annotated and photographed by patients. All the data are validated by scientists and published on the website. The project involves also primary schools, where patient and student observe the development of some visible species like Papilio machaon and Aglais urticae. The final aim of the project is to create a network of green areas with the participation of public and private social institutions, actively involved in the care, that provide places to meet, create new relationships and transform the urban architecture in a permeable barrier for butterflies.