Plant quality and local adaptation undermine relocation in a bog specialist butterfly

摘要: The butterfly Boloria aquilonaris is a specialist of oligotrophic ecosystems. Population viability analysis predicted the species to be stable in Belgium and collapse Netherlands with reduced host plant quality expected drive decline latter. We tested this hypothesis by rearing B. caterpillars from Belgian Dutch sites on plants (the cranberry, Vaccinium oxycoccos). was lower than one conferring caterpillar growth rate survival. Reintroduction and/or supplementation may necessary ensure Netherlands, but some traits have been selected solely cope gradual changes quality. To test hypothesis, performance fed both countries were compared. performed well qualities, whereas could not switch plants. This can considered as an environmentally induced plastic response local adaptation quality, which precludes use individuals unique solution for strengthening populations. More generally, these results stress that relevance selecting source populations relocation important restoring habitat