Butterfly assemblages (Lepidoptera, Diurna) in ecosystems of northern taiga of Karelia

The species composition and occurrence of butterflies were studied in the area near Kostomuksha during the four years of research (2007-2010). A total of 46 species were found in the study area. 587 butterflies of 42 species were observed during 518 counts at 74 sites. Callophrys rubi, Nymphalis urticae and Vanessa cardu were prevailing species. The most numerous butterfly assemblages were formed in meadows and numerically insignificant butterfly assemblages - in pine forests. Poor differentiation of butterfly population in northern taiga is indicated.