User:NicoleFipps/sandbox

Overview
-diurnal

Geographic Range
-confined to the British Isles (Mull and Ulva), mainly in western Scotland, so its geographic range or distribution is pretty restricted.

--forms subspecies scotica

-"the enhanced microclimate associated with habitat aspect, local shelter and short vegetation, as well as soils influenced by basalt, help explain the restriction of Z. loti and related species to this part of the western seaboard of Scotland."

-Zygaenidae are widely distributed on the European continent

Habitat
-"herb-rich grassland on vegetated talus slopes below south-facing Tertiary basalt cliffs."

-"herb-rich coastal grassland on steep slopes under basalt cliffs."

Food Resources
Larvae

Adult

Mating/Reproduction
-Research suggests that there is a specific microclimate essential to where female Z. loti choose to lay their eggs.

--areas of bare soil containing small "footplants." (what are these foodplants?)

Human Interaction/Anthropogenic effects/Conservation status/Threats
habitat loss?

-although isolated, colonies of Z. loti remain due to "low turnover caused by slow succession, the instability of the basalt slopes and regular grazing".

-"a recent reduction in grazing pressure has led to a contraction in the range of the species to the most unstable sites."

predators?

parasites?

climate?

conservation efforts?