Butterfly diversity along the urbanization gradient in a densely-built Mediterranean city: Land cover is more decisive than resources in structuring communities

摘要: Abstract Urbanization induces rapid landscape and habitat modifications leading to alterations in species distribution patterns biodiversity loss. As pollinating insects such as butterflies are particularly susceptible urbanization, it is important pinpoint the factors that could enhance their diversity urban areas order design adequate management conservation actions. Our study aims investigate influence of land cover local characteristics on butterfly community structure a densely built city eastern Mediterranean region. We carried out surveys (line transects) 45 randomly selected sites, distributed along an urbanization gradient. In each site, we assessed surrounding by measuring 200-m buffer zone, estimating available plant resources transect. Overall, 1805 individuals belonging 41 were recorded. Land was found have strongest richness, abundance structure. Although sufficiently within whole area, significantly poorer more urbanized areas, indicating potential role fragmentation patch isolation. contrast, higher peri-urban underlying its value for landscape. attribute these findings degradation due long-term inadequate planning disorganized expansion city.