DNA barcode based phylogeographic analysis of the Aricia anteros (Freyer, 1838) species complex (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) with description of a new subspecies from SE Europe.

The complex of taxa closely related to Aricia anteros includes the species A. anteros sensu stricto, A. crassipuncta, A.

New data on distribution of Phoenicurusia transcaucasicus (Miller, 1923) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) with description of a new subspecies from Iran.

Distribution of Phoenicurusia transcaucasicus (Miller, 1923) in Iran and neighbouring territories is clarified based on analysis of DNA barcodes, the male genitalia and wing pattern of adults. Our study revealed the widespread distribution of Ph. transcaucasicus throughout northern, northeastern and central Iran.

Cryptic Taxa Revealed through Combined Analysis of Chromosomes and DNA Barcodes: The Species Complex in Armenia and NW Iran.

The detection of cryptic species in complexes that have undergone recent speciation is often difficult, since many standard nuclear markers have not yet accumulated differences between closely related taxa, and differences in mitochondrial markers can be leveled out due to mitochondrial introgressions. In these cases, the use of derived chromosomal characters such as non-ancestral chromosomal numbers and/or unusual karyotype features may be a solution to the species delimitation problem. However, non-ancestral but similar karyotypes may arise secondarily as a result of homoplastic evolution, and their interpretation as homologies may lead to incorrect taxonomic conclusions.

Taxonomic Structure and Wing Pattern Evolution in the Species Complex (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae).

In our study, using the analysis of DNA barcodes and morphology (wing color, male genitalia, and female sphragis shape), we show that the group of species close to comprises the western and eastern phylogenetic lineages. The eastern lineage includes , and . The western lineage includes three morphologically similar species: (Western Eurasia), (southwestern Europe), and .

Phylogenetic Structure Revealed through Combining DNA Barcodes with Multi-Gene Data for Blue Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

The need for multi-gene analysis in evolutionary and taxonomic studies is generally accepted. However, the sequencing of multiple genes is not always possible. For various reasons, short mitochondrial DNA barcodes are the only source of molecular information for some species in many genera, although multi-locus data are available for other species of the same genera.

Investigations into the Melitaea ornata species complex in the Levant: M. telona and the newly erected species Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 was recently described from Israel as a species closely related to M. telona Fruhstorfer, 1908, but different in phenology, ecological preferences and with an allopatric distribution. Here, based on comparative examinations of mitochondrial DNA-barcodes, male genitalia and larval behaviour under laboratory conditions, we synonymize M.

More hidden diversity in a cryptic species complex: a new subspecies of (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) from Northern Iran.

A new subspecies of from Northern Iran, discovered by means of DNA barcoding, is described as The new subspecies is allopatric with respect to other populations of and is genetically distinct, appearing as a well-supported sister clade to all other populations in COI-based phylogenetic reconstructions. Details on karyotype, genitalia, ecology and behaviour for the new subspecies are given and a biogeographical speciation scenario is proposed.

Chromosomal conservatism vs chromosomal megaevolution: enigma of karyotypic evolution in Lepidoptera.

In the evolution of many organisms, periods of slow genome reorganization (= chromosomal conservatism) are interrupted by bursts of numerous chromosomal changes (= chromosomal megaevolution). Using comparative analysis of chromosome-level genome assemblies, we investigated these processes in blue butterflies (Lycaenidae). We demonstrate that the phase of chromosome number conservatism is characterized by the stability of most autosomes and dynamic evolution of the sex chromosome Z, resulting in multiple variants of NeoZ chromosomes due to autosome-sex chromosome fusions.

Whole-Genome Analysis Reveals the Dynamic Evolution of Holocentric Chromosomes in Satyrine Butterflies.

Butterfly chromosomes are holocentric, i.e., lacking a localized centromere.

Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Butterfly Subtribe Scolitantidina with Special Focus on the Genera , and (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

The Palearctic blue butterfly genus Beuret, 1958 is not homogenous regarding the morphology of its genital structures. For this reason, some of its species have been considered to be representatives of other genera of the subtribe Scolitantidina (subfamily Polyommatinae). Here, we address these taxonomic problems by analyzing the phylogenetic relationships between the genera, subgenera, and species of this subtribe inferred via the analysis of five nuclear and two mitochondrial DNA sequences.

Reassessment of the status of some European and Asian Melitaea taxa described as subspecies of Melitaea phoebe ([Denis amp; Schiffermller], 1775), with designations of lectotypes where appropriate (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

Morphological characters of value in distinguishing Melitaea phoebe from M. ornata are exemplified from photographs of specimens from sympatric and partially synchronic populations in the Russian Federation and Slovenia. Type material of a number of subspecies classified as M.

Identification of Natural Hybrids between (Lederer, 1853) and (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) Using Mitochondrial and Nuclear Markers.

Natural hybridization is rather widespread and common in animals and can have important evolutionary consequences. In terms of taxonomy, exploring hybridization and introgression is crucial in defining species boundaries and testing taxonomic hypotheses. In the present paper, we report on natural hybrid specimens between (Lederer, 1853) and (Linnaeus, 1758).

Genomic introgression from a distant congener in the Levant fritillary butterfly, Melitaea acentria.

Introgressive hybridization is more common in nature than previously thought, and its role and creative power in evolution is hotly discussed but not completely understood. Introgression occurs more frequently in sympatry between recently diverged taxa, or when the speciation process has not yet been completed. However, there are relatively few documented cases of hybridization that erodes reproductive barriers between distantly related species.

Chromosomal and DNA barcode analysis of the Staudinger, 1881 species complex (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae).

The species of the Staudinger, 1881 complex are distributed in Central Asia. Here we show that this complex is a monophyletic group including the species, , Sheljuzhko, 1929 and Fruhstorfer, 1917. The haploid chromosome number n=29 is found in and and is, most likely, a symplesiomorphy of the complex.

Chromosomal and DNA barcode analysis of the () (Eversmann, 1841) species complex (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

The Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) damone (Eversmann, 1841) species complex comprises from 5 to 8 species distributed in southeastern Europe and southern Siberia. Here we used chromosomal and DNA-barcode markers in order to test the taxonomic hypotheses previously suggested for this complex. We revealed that all taxa within this group demonstrate chromosomal stasis and share the same or very similar haploid chromosome number (n = 66 or n = 67).

Karyotype and DNA barcode of () (Staudinger, 1899) from its type locality: implication for taxonomic and evolutionary research in blue butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

Chromosomal and molecular analyses of rapidly evolving organisms such as Latreille, 1804 blue butterflies are essential for understanding their taxonomy and evolutionary history, and the studies of populations from their type localities are crucially important for resolving problems of nomenclature and species identity. Here we present data on the topotypical population of the blue butterfly species described as Lycaena damone var. cyanea Staudinger, 1899.

Incomplete Sterility of Chromosomal Hybrids: Implications for Karyotype Evolution and Homoploid Hybrid Speciation.

Heterozygotes for major chromosomal rearrangements such as fusions and fissions are expected to display a high level of sterility due to problems during meiosis. However, some species, especially plants and animals with holocentric chromosomes, are known to tolerate chromosomal heterozygosity even for multiple rearrangements. Here, we studied male meiotic chromosome behavior in four hybrid generations (F1-F4) between two chromosomal races of the Wood White butterfly differentiated by at least 24 chromosomal fusions/fissions.

Linking karyotypes with DNA barcodes: proposal for a new standard in chromosomal analysis with an example based on the study of Neotropical Nymphalidae (Lepidoptera).

Chromosomal data are important for taxonomists, cytogeneticists and evolutionary biologists; however, the value of these data decreases sharply if they are obtained for individuals with inaccurate species identification or unclear species identity. To avoid this problem, here we suggest linking each karyotyped sample with its DNA barcode, photograph and precise geographic data, providing an opportunity for unambiguous identification of described taxa and for delimitation of undescribed species. Using this approach, we present new data on chromosome number diversity in neotropical butterflies of the subfamily Biblidinae (genus Kirby, 1871) and the tribe Ithomiini (genera Hübner, 1816, Hübner, 1816, Boisduval, 1870, Hübner, 1821, Bates, 1862, Godman et Salvin, 1879 and Godman et Salvin, 1879).

Karyotype of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) eriwanensis Forster, 1960 and taxonomic position of P. (A.) interjectus de Lesse, 1960 (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

The karyotype of Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) eriwanensis Forster, 1960 from the type locality ("Eriwan" [Yerevan, Armenia]) and other localities in Armenia was investigated. The number of chromosomal elements (bivalents+ multivalents) observed in male meiosis I was found to vary from 29 to 34. In individuals with n = 34, all observed elements were represented by bivalents.

Karyotype reinvestigation does not confirm the presence of two cryptic species and interspecific hybridization in the () complex in the Crimea (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

The karyotype of the blue butterflies from the Angarskiy Pass (Crimea), previously attributed to Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) poseidon (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851), was re-examined. In all 19 studied individuals, we found the haploid chromosome number n = 26, including 7 pairs of relatively large and 19 pairs of relatively small chromosomes. According to the chromosome number and karyotype structure, the studied population does not differ from P.

Two types of highly ordered micro- and macrochromosome arrangement in metaphase plates of butterflies (Lepidoptera).

In karyotype of many organisms, chromosomes form two distinct size groups: macrochromosomes and microchromosomes. During cell divisions, the position of the macro- and microchromosomes is often ordered within metaphase plate. In many reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects of the orthopteran family Tettigoniidae and in some plants, a so called "reptilian" type organization is found, with microchromosomes situated in the center of metaphase plate and with macrochromosomes situated at the periphery.

To which species should the name heynei Rühl, [1893] (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) be referred?

Historical records of Melitaea cinxia (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. arduinna (Esper, [1783]) from the mountains of Central Asia, including named subspecies and forms, are reviewed with particular reference to the name heynei Rühl, [1893], which has been associated with both of the aforementioned species. It is concluded that the name heynei should be associated with M.

Versatility of multivalent orientation, inverted meiosis, and rescued fitness in holocentric chromosomal hybrids.

Chromosomal rearrangements (e.g., fusions/fissions) have the potential to drive speciation.

A new butterfly species from south Russia revealed through chromosomal and molecular analysis of the Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) damonides complex (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

Finding a new species is a rare event in easy-to-see and well-studied organisms like butterflies, especially if they inhabit well-explored areas such as the Western Palaearctic. However, even in this region, gaps in taxonomic knowledge still exist and here we report such a discovery. Using a combined analysis of chromosomal and molecular markers we demonstrate that blue populations from Daghestan (South Russia), previously identified as , represent in fact a new species which is described here as We also show that the enigmatic described as a form of and later considered as an entity similar to or is conspecific with a taxon previously known as .