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Climate-induced changes in the microlepidoptera fauna of the Netherlands and the implications for nature conservation

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Abstract

We summarize the results of our studies of the changing patterns in phenology and distribution of microlepidoptera in the Netherlands. There is a strong dynamic effect, related to changing climate. In a sample of 104 common microlepidoptera species the date of the flight peak has receded by 11.6 days in the period 1975-1994. We also found changes in the species composition of the local fauna, although not necessarily in the number of species. Our findings imply that the number of rare (Red List) species may be an inappropriate parameter for the conservation value of a site.

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Kuchlein , J.H., Ellis , W.N. Climate-induced changes in the microlepidoptera fauna of the Netherlands and the implications for nature conservation. Journal of Insect Conservation 1, 73–80 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018483026265

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018483026265

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