Ewa Sliwinska is conducting genetic research (in particular tools for DNA analysis) on Maculinea teleius and M. nausithous populations in Poland as well as on their host ants (Myrmica scabrinodis, M. ruginodis and M. rubra). Furthermore, she is investigating the morphology of M. teleius, M. nausithous and M. alcon caterpillars in the 4^th instar by comparing the digital photos she has taken of caterpillars at all instars. She is also investigating the biochemical and genetical patterns of the host plant Sanguisorba officinalis to explore a possible explanation for the presence/ absence of Maculinea teleius and Maculinea nausithous on sites.

Andras Tartally is investigating the ecology of Myrmica host ants of Maculinea butterfly populations in the Carpathian Basin. According to preliminary data, there is a considerable geographical variation in the host ant spectra of Maculinea species. Since the M. alcon-rebeli group shows a considerable geographical and ecological diversity in this area, we suppose that it is connected with some variation in the host ant species. Furthermore, all host ant data from this area are new to science. Andras is looking for all possible Myrmica species living in a Maculinea habitat. Since the year 2000 several hundreds of Myrmica nests on approx. 30 sites have been investigated to survey the host specificity level of Maculinea butterflies. His research also comprises laboratory experiments to test the adoption of Maculinea caterpillars in artificial Myrmica nests. According to his observations the caterpillars of Maculinea (alcon) alcon have only been found in Myrmica scabrinodis nests. Maculinea (rebeli) xerophila was found mainly in Myrmica sabuleti, M. scabrinodis and M. schencki and sometimes in M. lonae and M. specioides nests. Maculinea teleius was found mainly in Myrmica scabrinodis and sometimes also in M. gallienii, M. salina and M. specioides nests. Laboratory observations mainly confirmed these results. The potential host ant species of Maculinea (alcon) alcon were completed by adoption experiments with three others: Myrmica gallienii, M. salina and M. specioides. Maculinea (alcon) alcon larvae can live for months but usually die later in the formicaria with the three ant species metioned above.