Äggläggningspreferenser för honor av väddnätfjäril, Euphydryas aurinia, på området Bälsalvret, Gotland

Sammanfattning: This study aims to get a better understanding of the oviposition-behaviour of the butterfly Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia), in the area Bälsalvret on the Island of Gotland. The study may provide helpful information to aid the conservation of the species in the area and also provide overall knowledge about the female’s preferences when it comes to choosing microhabitat and host plant for their eggs. The analysis of the microhabitat preference for oviposition by the Marsh Fritillary showed that eggs were predominantly laid on large-sized host plant individuals with a warmer microclimate; with a preference for the rosette diameter, the length and the width of the leaf and the number of Succisa pratensis individuals in the vicinity. This indicates that the female’s priority is to place the eggs at the most optimal place for their offspring’s survival and growth.