Rhopalocera-Lepidoptera found in rangeland ecosystems of Greece. Geographical distribution and hosts

The insects have an important role in rangeland ecosystems. Among them, the class Lepidoptera is connected with plants in two ways. During the larval stage it parasitizes the different plants’ parts and during the adult stage contributes in their pollination. Half of the families of Rhopalocera found worldwide are represented in Greece. The investigation of their geographical distribution and hosts could offer νaluable information for a better understanding of the complex biotic relationships of the rangeland ecosystems. According to our data, 185 species of Rhopalocera exist in Greece and are connected with the rangeland ecosystems. Their geographical distribution is as follows: 34 species are present throughout all the country, 75 everywhere except Crete, 34 in North Greece, 25 in North and Central Greece and another 17 in more nanrrow geographical regions. The families and subfamilies of the Rhopalocera during the larval stage are either in close feeding connection with botanical families (eg. subfamily Satyrinae-Poaceae) or not ( eg. family Lycaenidae- Polygonaceae, Fabaceae, Larniaceae and shrub).