As a result of changes in grass sward composition and vegetation structure, as well as overgrowth of trees and bushes in open areas, many woodland butterfly species have declined across Europe. Lopinga achine is a flagship species of woodlands and it has gone extinct from several habitats in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of habitat factors on the occurrence of L. achine and investigate if alteration in such habitat factors effect on their movement pattern. The experiments were conducted in the south east of Sweden. The occurrence of the butterflies and sampling habitat factors were recorded in transect method in 11 sites in the province of Östergötland. Furthermore, movement pattern and flight speed of 28 individuals were tested in two sites with different habitat structures. Habitat variables including host plant (Carex montana) abundance, grass sward height, tree canopy cover and also fern abundance had a significant effect on the occurrence of the species. In addition, open area with short grass height and less canopy cover affected the movement pattern and speed of L. achine and individuals flew more straight and faster in open areas. In conclusion, results shown that habitat factors are important for the occurrence of L. achine and population viability. In addition, alteration in habitat structure such as short grass sward height and lack of bush and canopy trees effect on butterflies’ movement behaviour, which may lead to population decline or extinction of the species from local habitats.

The purpose of this study was to correlate the Vegetation of the Woodbine Sands with the edaphic factors. In the laboratory an analysis of the edephic factors was made of the twenty-two soil types collected from the three formations. The results of these and other analysis are shown in tables and graphs. The results indicate that the vegetational cover of an area that is uniform in its origin and in its resident soil factors is determined by the edaphic factors present.