Butterflies of Stavropol Krai

Stavropol Krai: foothill steppe

Stavropol Krai lies on the Pre-Caucasian Plain at the foot of the Greater Caucasus. Diversity of natural zones — from dry steppes in the north to mountain meadows in the south — supports rich butterfly fauna. More than 140 day-flying Lepidoptera make this region one of the leaders in European Russia.

Characteristic species

Steppe biotopes

Blues are well represented on Stavropol steppes. On feather-grass and mixed-grass steppes fly numerous species: common blue, green-underside blue, Daphnis blue, and rare Phengaris. Large swallowtails — old World swallowtail (Papilio machaon) and scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) — occur widely.

Chalk and limestone slopes

On slopes of ravines and river valleys with chalk outcrops live rare steppe species. The protected southern festoon (Zerynthia polyxena) flies here in April–May.

Foothills and mountain meadows

In the foothill part of the krai diversity increases sharply. Caucasian species appear: cleopatra on the southern shore, several mountain checkerspots and fritillaries.

Caucasian Mineral Waters

The vicinity of Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, and Zheleznovodsk — special biotopes at the boundary of steppe and mountains. Both steppe and mountain species occur here.

Protected species

• Southern festoon (Zerynthia polyxena) — chalk slopes with birthwort
• Alcon blue (Phengaris arion) — steppes with thyme
• Aurinia’s fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) — wet meadows

Best sites

Teberda Nature Reserve (mountain part of the krai, Karachay-Cherkessia) — richest mountain fauna.

Mount Strizhament slopes — elevation with chalk outcrops and rich flora.

Kuma River valley — steppe and meadow biotopes.

Seasonal calendar

For comparison with Krasnodar Krai see butterflies of Krasnodar Krai.