Changes in butterfly assemblages and increase of open-land inhabiting species after forest fires

The objective of this study was to determine influence of fire on butterfly assemblages and postfire butterfly faunal change in South Korea. Butterflies were surveyed for several years (5 or 9 years) from 2005 to 2015 at four sites (2 burned sites and 2 unburned sites) in the eastern coastal region (3 sites in Samcheok and Uljin) and the western region (1 site in Pocheon). Butterflies were surveyed monthly from April to October at each site (route length 1.5∼2 km) with line transect method. Open habitat species were increased in richness and abundance. However, richness of total species was not increased because of decreased forest species. Rare open habitat species such as Argynnis nerippe, Boloria oscarus, and Hesperia florinda were found only at burned sites. These burned areas are likely to become habitats for venerable open habitat insects. Butterfly assemblages were significantly influenced by fire and region.