Biogeography meets conservation: the genetic structure of the endangered lycaenid butterfly Lycaena helle (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Abstract

Cold-adapted species are thought to have had their largest distribution ranges in central Europe during the glacial periods. Postglacial warming caused severe range shifts of such taxa into higher latitudes and altitudes. We selected the boreomontane butterfly Lycaena helle (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) as an example to demonstrate the genetic effects of range changes, and to document the recent status of highly fragmented remnant populations. We analysed five polymorphic microsatellite loci in 1059 individuals sampled at 50 different localities scattered over the European distribution area of the species. Genetic differentiation was strong among the mountain ranges of western Europe, but we did not detect similarly distinct genetic groups following a geographical pattern in the more eastern areas. The Fennoscandian populations form a separate genetic group, and provide evidence for a colonization from southern Finland via northern Scandinavia to south-central Sweden. Species distribution modelling suggests a large extension of the spatial distribution during the last glacial maximum, but highlights strong retractions to a few mountain areas under current conditions. These findings, combined with our genetic data, suggest a more or less continuous distribution of L. helle throughout central Europe at the end of the last ice age. As a consequence of postglacial warming, the species retreated northwards to Fennoscandia and escaped increasing temperatures through altitudinal shifts. Therefore, the species is today restricted to population remnants located at the mountain tops of western Europe, genetically isolated from each other, and evolved into genetically unique entities. Rising temperatures and advancing habitat destruction threaten this wealth of biodiversity.

Influences of geographic differentiation in the forewing warning signal of the wood tiger moth in Alaska

“…Simulations used to create the climate data for the LGM used the Community Climate System Model (CCSM). Of the 19 BIOCLIM variables used for species distribution models (Busby 1991), I used 13 known to have an influence on lepidopteran biology (Habel et al 2010): annual mean temperature (BIO1), mean monthly temperature range (BIO2), isothermality (BIO3), maximum temperature of the warmest month (BIO5), minimum temperature of the coldest month (BIO6), annual temperature range (BIO7), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (BIO9), annual precipitation (BIO12), precipitation seasonality (BIO15), precipitation of the driest quarter (BIO17), precipitation of the warmest quarter (BIO18), and precipitation of the coldest quarter (BIO19).…”

Dos and Don’ts for butterflies of the Habitats Directive of the European Union

“…(Bauerfeind et al 2009;Finger et al 2009;Fischer et al 1999;Habel et al 2010a;Habel et al 2011a;Habel et al 2011b;Habel et al 2010b;Martín Cano et al 2009;Meyer 1981;Meyer and Helminger 1994;Steiner et al 2006 for the females. Eggs are laid on docks (Rumex spp.)…”

Land management impacts on European butterflies of conservation concern: a review

“…The introduction of intensive grazing or mowing resulted in local extinctions of the species. Conversely, leaving such sites without any management leads to meadow overgrowth and the disappearance of the species habitats in the long term perspective (Hula et al 2004;Habel et al 2010). An appropriate method of management for Lycaena helle involves reducing the intensity of grazing and introducing a mosaic mowing, thereby achieving an imitation of traditional farming methods that used to maintain fine-grained mosaic landscapes with different managements (Skórka et al 2007).…”