Contribution to the knowledge of the butterfly fauna of Albania

Albanian insect fauna is one of the least studied in Europe. In 2012 and 2013 surveys were undertaken with the aim of improving the knowledge of the distribution of butterflies, particularly in the southern part of the country. This research has resulted in publicating three new species records for Alba - nia. Here we add two new species to the list of native butterflies of Albania Melitaea ornata Christoph, 1893 and Cupidoalcetas�(Hoffmannsegg, 1804). We recorded a total of 143 species including several confirmations of historical published records. The total number of species has consequently increased to 198, which is comparable with butterfly diver - sity in neighbouring countries. Unlike its neighbours, Albania has preserved many of its traditional agricul - tural practices, consequently its rich fauna has been well protected during the last decades. However with the opening up of the country to outside influences this will undoubtedly change as the process of intensification has already started in more populated coastal areas. It is therefore imperative to identify important butterfly areas in need of conservation and to take decisive measures to preserve their traditional agriculture practices.