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Understanding the Erivan Anomalous Blue Butterfly

A Closer Look at Armenia's Unique Butterfly Species

Understanding the Erivan Anomalous Blue Butterfly

  • 20 Dec, 2025
  • 383

Understanding the Erivan Anomalous Blue Butterfly

Recently, Armenia introduced the logo for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, prominently featuring the Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly at its center.

About the Erivan Anomalous Blue

The Polyommatus eriwanens, commonly known as the Erivan Anomalous Blue, is a striking blue butterfly endemic to the region surrounding Yerevan, Armenia. This species has a unique lifecycle, producing one generation annually.

Active from mid-June to mid-July, its activity depends significantly on the elevation of its habitat.

Habitat

The Erivan Anomalous Blue thrives in calcareous grasslands of Armenia, but the specific host plant for its lifecycle remains unidentified. This butterfly typically resides at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2200 meters, contributing to its status as an endemic species of Southern Transcaucasia.

Conservation Status

Currently, the Erivan Anomalous Blue is not listed on the Global or European Red Lists, indicating that while it is not currently endangered, its conservation remains crucial for the maintenance of biodiversity.

The Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the most comprehensive binding international agreement focused on nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. Established during the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, it now comprises 196 contracting parties.

Governance and Objectives

The governing body of the CBD is the Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets biennially to assess progress, establish priorities, and devise work plans. The secretariat for the CBD is based in Montreal, Canada.

The main objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity include:

  • Conservation of biological diversity
  • Sustainable use of biological resources
  • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly?
Answer: The Erivan Anomalous Blue, or Polyommatus eriwanens, is a unique butterfly species endemic to Armenia, particularly around Yerevan. It has a distinctive blue color and an annual lifecycle.

Q2. What is the conservation status of the Erivan Anomalous Blue?
Answer: The Erivan Anomalous Blue is not currently included in the Global or European Red Lists, indicating it is not deemed endangered, but its habitat preservation is vital.

Q3. What does COP17 stand for?
Answer: COP17 refers to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, where global leaders discuss and promote biodiversity conservation efforts.

Q4. Where is the CBD secretariat located?
Answer: The secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity is located in Montreal, Canada, serving as the administrative hub for the agreement.

Q5. When was the Convention on Biological Diversity established?
Answer: The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signing in 1992 during the UN Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary habitat of the Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly?
A) Tropical rainforest
B) Calcareous grasslands
C) Urban areas
D) Wetlands
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How many generations does the Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly produce annually?
A) Two
B) One
C) Three
D) None
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which international agreement focuses on biodiversity conservation?
A) Paris Agreement
B) Convention on Biological Diversity
C) Kyoto Protocol
D) World Trade Organization Agreement
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Where was the Convention on Biological Diversity established?
A) Paris
B) Kyoto
C) Rio de Janeiro
D) Montreal
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: How often does the Conference of the Parties (COP) meet?
A) Every year
B) Every two years
C) Every five years
D) Every month
Correct Answer: B

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