Der Hochmoorgelbling (Colias palaeno) – das Mikroklima der Larvallebensräume ist entscheidend für sein Überleben

After distinctive declines of the Moorland Clouded Yellow (Colias palaeno) in its Bavarian main distribution area within the prealpine bog and hill area, detailed studies were initiated by the ANL to understand the reasons of these declines. Besides other correlations, differences in mortality of young caterpillars were crucial for the populations. When their food plant Vaccinium uliginosum was growing together with living Sphagnum sp. plants (often mixed with other mosses) more caterpillars survived compared to food plants growing within other mosses or litter. On latter sites the food plant was growing much better, but the caterpillars did not survive until hibernation, if the summer was dry and warm. This points to microclimatic influences. Several pathways are possible that lead to unfavourable conditions for the Moorland Clouded Yellow. The increased occurrence of hot and dry summers and general changes in bog ecology with potentially increased desiccation and more growth of woody plants are the two main pathways (translated by the editors).