The Experts below are selected from a list of 300 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Marcin Sielezniew - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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population genetics of the endangered obligatorily myrmecophilous butterfly phengaris maculinea Arion in two areas of its european range
Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2015Co-Authors: Marcin Sielezniew, Magdalena Witek, Dario Patricelli, Simona Bonelli, Robert Rutkowski, Magdalena M BuśAbstract:The socially parasitic Phengaris Arion is one of the most threatened butterfly species in Europe. Using 12 microsatellite loci, we studied the genetic structure of 14 ecologically diverse populations (285 individuals) originating from two distinct areas of the European distribution range (Poland and Italy). Italian populations were more differentiated (FST = 0.124) than Polish populations (0.073). Nevertheless, in contrast to the results of previous studies on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1α) genes, indices of genetic variability were higher in Poland. Within-population genetic variability in Italy decreased southwards, whereas in Poland no similar gradient of changes was detected. Bayesian clustering of individuals (STRUCTURE, BAPS) and analysis of principal components (PCA) indicated a genetic structure in Italian sampling sites that was more pronounced than in Poland. The analysis also suggested a common evolutionary history for populations inhabiting the northern slopes of the Alps and Central Europe, or that the alpine populations are localised in a mixed zone of different post-glacial colonisation routes (STRUCTURE, PCA). In addition, implementation of spatial information into the analysis (BAPS) suggested that the observed pattern of differentiation could be shaped simply by landforms as all Italian sampling sites and two mountainous Polish sites formed separate cluster. The pattern of ecological variation did not influence genetic structure and no grounds for separation of subspecies (P. Arion ligurica and P. Arion obscura) were found. Our results are therefore in agreement with conclusions inferred from other studies carried out in Europe on P. Arion.
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multiple host ant use by the predatory social parasite phengaris maculinea Arion lepidoptera lycaenidae
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2010Co-Authors: Marcin Sielezniew, I Dziekanska, Anna StankiewiczfiedurekAbstract:Phengaris (=Maculinea) Arion is an endangered social parasite of Myrmica ants, and for a very long time was considered as specific to Myrmica sabuleti. Previous studies carried out in Poland suggested some discrepancies within this assumption, and therefore a much more intensive survey was undertaken. The host ant use of P. Arion was studied at five sites in different types of biotopes in Poland, i.e. xerothermal grasslands where Thymus pulegioides was used as a larval food plant by the butterfly, and more or less sandy biotopes with Thymus serpyllum. Altogether nine Myrmica species were recorded, and considerable variation in species composition and density of nests was recorded. At four localities M. sabuleti proved to be the most common ant. A total of 529 Myrmica nests were examined, and only 20 of them contained larvae and pupae of P. Arion. Host ants belonged to five different species, i.e. M. sabuleti, Myrmica scabrinodis, Myrmica schencki, Myrmica lobicornis and Myrmica hellenica. Only at one site (NE Poland) was a significant heterogeneity in parasitation rates among Myrmica species detected. M. lobicornis was the most often infested ant there, which may suggest local specialisation of the butterfly. Overall low parasitism rates may explain the vulnerability of P. Arion in Central Europe but further studies are also necessary.
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myrmica sabuleti hymenoptera formicidae not necessary for the survival of the population of phengaris maculinea Arion lepidoptera lycaenidae in eastern poland lower host ant specificity or evidence for geographical variation of an endangered social p
European Journal of Endocrinology, 2008Co-Authors: Marcin Sielezniew, Anna M StankiewiczAbstract:Larvae and pupae of the obligatorily myrmecophilous Phengaris (Maculinea) Arion were found for the first time in nests of Myrmica rugulosa, M. hellenica and M. schencki at a site in eastern Poland. M. sabuleti, commonly considered as a major host of the butterfly and whose abundance is vital for the survival of P. Arion populations, was shown to be very rare and not used. Estimated mean density of Myrmica nests was very low, which suggests that relatively vast areas are necessary to support a viable population of P. Arion in similar sandy habitats. This may explain the decline and rarity of the butterfly in the whole region, even though its relationships with ants seem not to be very specific there.
Magdalena M Buś - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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population genetics of the endangered obligatorily myrmecophilous butterfly phengaris maculinea Arion in two areas of its european range
Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2015Co-Authors: Marcin Sielezniew, Magdalena Witek, Dario Patricelli, Simona Bonelli, Robert Rutkowski, Magdalena M BuśAbstract:The socially parasitic Phengaris Arion is one of the most threatened butterfly species in Europe. Using 12 microsatellite loci, we studied the genetic structure of 14 ecologically diverse populations (285 individuals) originating from two distinct areas of the European distribution range (Poland and Italy). Italian populations were more differentiated (FST = 0.124) than Polish populations (0.073). Nevertheless, in contrast to the results of previous studies on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1α) genes, indices of genetic variability were higher in Poland. Within-population genetic variability in Italy decreased southwards, whereas in Poland no similar gradient of changes was detected. Bayesian clustering of individuals (STRUCTURE, BAPS) and analysis of principal components (PCA) indicated a genetic structure in Italian sampling sites that was more pronounced than in Poland. The analysis also suggested a common evolutionary history for populations inhabiting the northern slopes of the Alps and Central Europe, or that the alpine populations are localised in a mixed zone of different post-glacial colonisation routes (STRUCTURE, PCA). In addition, implementation of spatial information into the analysis (BAPS) suggested that the observed pattern of differentiation could be shaped simply by landforms as all Italian sampling sites and two mountainous Polish sites formed separate cluster. The pattern of ecological variation did not influence genetic structure and no grounds for separation of subspecies (P. Arion ligurica and P. Arion obscura) were found. Our results are therefore in agreement with conclusions inferred from other studies carried out in Europe on P. Arion.
Anna M Stankiewicz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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myrmica sabuleti hymenoptera formicidae not necessary for the survival of the population of phengaris maculinea Arion lepidoptera lycaenidae in eastern poland lower host ant specificity or evidence for geographical variation of an endangered social p
European Journal of Endocrinology, 2008Co-Authors: Marcin Sielezniew, Anna M StankiewiczAbstract:Larvae and pupae of the obligatorily myrmecophilous Phengaris (Maculinea) Arion were found for the first time in nests of Myrmica rugulosa, M. hellenica and M. schencki at a site in eastern Poland. M. sabuleti, commonly considered as a major host of the butterfly and whose abundance is vital for the survival of P. Arion populations, was shown to be very rare and not used. Estimated mean density of Myrmica nests was very low, which suggests that relatively vast areas are necessary to support a viable population of P. Arion in similar sandy habitats. This may explain the decline and rarity of the butterfly in the whole region, even though its relationships with ants seem not to be very specific there.
Magdalena Witek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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population genetics of the endangered obligatorily myrmecophilous butterfly phengaris maculinea Arion in two areas of its european range
Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2015Co-Authors: Marcin Sielezniew, Magdalena Witek, Dario Patricelli, Simona Bonelli, Robert Rutkowski, Magdalena M BuśAbstract:The socially parasitic Phengaris Arion is one of the most threatened butterfly species in Europe. Using 12 microsatellite loci, we studied the genetic structure of 14 ecologically diverse populations (285 individuals) originating from two distinct areas of the European distribution range (Poland and Italy). Italian populations were more differentiated (FST = 0.124) than Polish populations (0.073). Nevertheless, in contrast to the results of previous studies on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1α) genes, indices of genetic variability were higher in Poland. Within-population genetic variability in Italy decreased southwards, whereas in Poland no similar gradient of changes was detected. Bayesian clustering of individuals (STRUCTURE, BAPS) and analysis of principal components (PCA) indicated a genetic structure in Italian sampling sites that was more pronounced than in Poland. The analysis also suggested a common evolutionary history for populations inhabiting the northern slopes of the Alps and Central Europe, or that the alpine populations are localised in a mixed zone of different post-glacial colonisation routes (STRUCTURE, PCA). In addition, implementation of spatial information into the analysis (BAPS) suggested that the observed pattern of differentiation could be shaped simply by landforms as all Italian sampling sites and two mountainous Polish sites formed separate cluster. The pattern of ecological variation did not influence genetic structure and no grounds for separation of subspecies (P. Arion ligurica and P. Arion obscura) were found. Our results are therefore in agreement with conclusions inferred from other studies carried out in Europe on P. Arion.
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habitat preferences of maculinea Arion and its myrmica host ants implications for habitat management in italian alps
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2011Co-Authors: Luca Pietro Casacci, Magdalena Witek, Francesca Barbero, Dario Patricelli, Gaetano Solazzo, Emilio Balletto, Simona BonelliAbstract:Projections of climate-change scenarios indicate that many Maculinea Arion populations will disappear from Europe over the next 50 years. Extinctions will be particularly concentrated around the southern limits of the species’ range, such as the Italian peninsula, except mountain populations, mainly in the Alps. M. Arion is a social parasite of Myrmica ants and its survival depends on the presence and abundance of two resources, i.e. (1) a specific larval foodplant and (2) a suitable Myrmica host ant. We collected data on Thymus plants distribution, Myrmica ants abundance, turf height around Myrmica nests, distance between nests and the closest thyme plant (Thymus pulegioides), and vegetation structure at 14 patches of a M. Arion fragmented population occurring in the Western Italian Alps (Val Ferret: Aosta). We found that patches with the highest abundance of M. Arion had significantly higher foodplant abundance. Among 407 nests belonging to nine Myrmica species, we found M. Arion larvae in one Myrmica lonae and in two Myrmica sulcinodis nests. The distribution of M. sulcinodis nests showed the best spatial overlap with Thymus plants. M. sulcinodis was also significantly more abundant on pastures showing high M. Arion density, and therefore offered higher adoption probabilities to develop butterfly larvae. On M. Arion habitat patches, the mean turf height around Myrmica nests varied from 10.5 to 22.3 cm and best matched the habitat requirements of T. pulegioides. Thus, we suggest that extensive grazing is needed to maintain the two most important resources for M. Arion. Moreover, patches where M. Arion was abundant included more numerous plant species characteristic of these mountain pastures, as well as higher plant diversity (Shannon index). As a consequence, M. Arion represents an umbrella species and a good indicator for the conservation status of mountain grasslands.
Toomas Esperk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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habitat use of the endangered parasitic butterfly phengaris Arion close to its northern distribution limit
Insect Conservation and Diversity, 2015Co-Authors: Margus Vilbas, Tiit Teder, Anu Tiitsaar, Ants Kaasik, Toomas EsperkAbstract:Populations close to species distribution limits often differ in their habitat use from more central populations of the species distribution. Knowledge of species ecology derived from the latter may therefore not be sufficient to ensure successful conservation of peripheral populations. In this study, we examine habitat use of Phengaris (=Maculinea) Arion (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae), an endangered myrmecophilous butterfly, in populations close to its northern distribution limit (in Estonia). A particular emphasis is given to its interactions with other species – host plant and host ant use, and, as a novel aspect, adult predation by dragonflies. Phengaris Arion was found to be restricted to grassland patches with much higher host plant abundance than shown in other regions and predicted by habitat suitability models. All direct observations of the host ant use of P. Arion were limited to the colonies of Myrmica lonae, an ant species which has nowhere else been demonstrated to be the primary host of this butterfly. Our data thus contribute to the emerging understanding that host ant use in P. Arion can be geographically remarkably diverse. The results indicate that dragonfly predation on adult butterflies could be an essential driver of patch occupancy in P. Arion. Our findings thus suggest that top-down influences, largely neglected in butterfly conservation, may actually need to be considered.