Lebanon’s biodiversity has been enriched by an exciting rediscovery—the rare nymphalid butterfly Charaxes jasius jasius (Linnaeus, 1767). For over four decades, this striking butterfly had been absent from recorded sightings in Lebanon. However, entomologist Jarosław Bury has documented its presence once again, reviving interest in the conservation of this unique species and its habitat (Bury, 2014).
A Butterfly with a Storied Past
Charaxes jasius jasius, also known as the two-tailed pasha, is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 65-85 mm. It is characterized by vibrant orange and brown hues, intricate patterns, and two distinctive tails on its hindwings. Historically, the species has been distributed along the Mediterranean coast, appearing in North Africa, Southern Europe, and parts of the Middle East. In Lebanon, past records of the butterfly dated back to the early 20th century, with documented sightings in Beirut, Aaraya, and Beit Méry. However, due to environmental changes and urbanization, the species had seemingly disappeared from the region (Bury, 2014).
The Significance of the Rediscovery
In October 2004, Bury spotted several individuals of Charaxes jasius jasius in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, an area near the Israeli border (Bury, 2014). This finding is particularly significant as it fills a decades-long gap in the species’ recorded presence in Lebanon. The Naqoura locality, characterized by maquis shrubland and garrigue ecosystems, appears to provide a suitable habitat for the butterfly, which relies on Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree) as its primary host plant.
Biology and Habitat
The butterfly’s life cycle consists of two main generations per year, with adult butterflies typically emerging from May to July and again from August to October. In optimal conditions, a third partial generation may occur in warmer regions. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of Arbutus unedo, though in some parts of the Mediterranean, they have also been observed on other plant species such as Arbutus andrachne and Nicotiana glauca (Bury, 2014).
Lebanon’s coastal zone, where Naqoura is located, has undergone significant transformation due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. Despite these pressures, the rediscovery of Charaxes jasius jasius suggests that pockets of suitable habitat remain intact. It also raises questions about whether the butterfly has persisted unnoticed or if it has recolonized the area from nearby populations in Israel.
Conservation Challenges and the Future
The reappearance of Charaxes jasius jasius in Lebanon underscores the need for habitat conservation and further research on its population status. Threats such as land degradation, excessive pasturing, and pesticide use continue to impact biodiversity in the region. Conservationists advocate for increased protection of maquis shrubland areas and the preservation of native flora essential for the butterfly’s survival.
Moving forward, monitoring programs and habitat restoration initiatives could help ensure that this magnificent butterfly remains part of Lebanon’s natural heritage. The rediscovery of Charaxes jasius jasius offers hope and highlights the resilience of nature, even in the face of human-driven changes.
Citation
Bury, J. (2014). Rediscovery of Charaxes jasius jasius (Linnaeus, 1767) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Lebanon. Retrieved from ResearchGate.
