The present condition of habitation and host plant of larva of butterfly Ypthima multistriata in Yao City of Osaka Pref.

Abstract

Populations of Ypthima multistriata was still living in Takayasu Area of Yao City, Osaka Prefecture by our detailed investigation of 2010-2013. However, they may fall into a critical situation and the observation number per day is decreasing actually because of drying by the "Nomen-noudou" road completed on March 28, 2010. Investigation on larvae of this species shows that the host plant is Carex dimorpholepis (Cyperaceae). It seems that habitation requires the swamp (disturbance) of the springwater origin and has been preserved by geographical feature, geology and history of this region. Maintenance of the springwater and the cistern as Commons by citizens' participation in municipal affairs is considered to be important in preservation. Each interested organization must promote the environmental preservation of this area that is a last habitat of Ypthima multistriata in Osaka and is also a habitat of Luciola parvula, a rare fire beetle species. Moreover, the strict environment assessment in farm road maintenance is thought to be required for preservation of a natural woodland.