Genetic structure and demographic history ofLymantria dispar(Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in its area of origin and adjacent areas

Abstract

We analyzed the population genetic structure and demographic history of 20 Lymantria dispar populations from Far East Asia using microsatellite loci and mitochondrial genes. In the microsatellite analysis, the genetic distances based on pairwise F ST values ranged from 0.0087 to 0.1171. A NeighborNet network based on pairwise F ST genetic distances showed that the 20 regional populations were divided into five groups. Bayesian clustering analysis (K = 3) demonstrated the same groupings. The populations in the Korean Peninsula and adjacent regions, in particular, showed a mixed genetic pattern. In the mitochondrial genetic analysis based on 98 haplotypes, the median‐joining network exhibited a star shape that was focused on three high‐frequency haplotypes (Haplotype 1: central Korea and adjacent regions, Group 1; Haplotype 37: southern Korea, Group 2; and Haplotype 90: Hokkaido area, Group 3) connected by low‐frequency haplotypes. The mismatch distribution dividing the three groups was unimodal. In the neutral test, Tajima's D and Fu's FS tests were negative. We can thus infer that the Far East Asian populations of L. dispar underwent a sudden population expansion. Based on the age expansion parameter, the expansion time was inferred to be approximately 53,652 years before present (ybp) for Group 1, approximately 65,043 ybp for Group 2, and approximately 76,086 ybp for Group 3. We propose that the mixed genetic pattern of the inland populations of Far East Asia is due to these expansions and that the inland populations of the region should be treated as valid subspecies that are distinguishable from other subspecies by genetic traits.

Limited Genetic Structure of Gypsy Moth Populations Reflecting a Recent History in Europe

“…Nonetheless, the potential of gypsy moth populations to erupt varies greatly [6] as in cases of recent invasion an outbreak can be sustained [7]. For all these reasons, gypsy moth, has been in the spotlight of various investigations ranging from population dynamics [8] and dispersal ecology [9,10] to the distribution of its genetic diversity at a global scale [11,12]. Three subspecies are recognized throughout the temperate part of the world due to their economic importance; European ( L. dispar dispar ) and two Asian ( L. dispar asiatica in Russia and Asia and L. dispar japonica in Japan), and each of them is described separately based on morphological and behavioral traits [1].…”

“…Three subspecies are recognized throughout the temperate part of the world due to their economic importance; European ( L. dispar dispar ) and two Asian ( L. dispar asiatica in Russia and Asia and L. dispar japonica in Japan), and each of them is described separately based on morphological and behavioral traits [1]. Nonetheless, the status of the two Asian subspecies still remains disputable [13], as recent molecular investigations argue for an even more elaborate pattern among the far east populations [12]. However, female flight capability turned out to be the most important behavioral trait distinguishing Asian subspecies from European [10,14].…”

Characterization of gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera Lymantriidae) eggs in Cork oak forests of the Kabylie region (Jijel-Algeria)

“…Among biotic Enemies, which may be a cause of degradation of Mediterranean forests, Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus, 1758) (Tae Hwa Kang et al, 2017) is a butterfly of the Lymantriidae family (Nierhaus-Wunderwald & Wermlinger, 2001). This gypsy moth is a pest of forest species (Gray, 2010), polyphagous and phyllophagous that lives on more than 300 species of trees and shrubs (Duan et al, 2011); prefers oak leaves (Nierhaus-Wunderwald & Wermlinger, 2001).…”

Microsatellite and Morphological Analyses Reveal Unexpected Diversity in Lymantria dispar in China

“…There is also evidence for a mixed genetic composition in Far East Asia. In an analysis of the population structure of gypsy moths in the boundary region, the peninsula, and adjacent areas of the Korean Peninsula, various L. dispar japonica genotypes in Japan were discovered in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula [31]. Wu et al (2015) revealed a gradient of allelic dominance from L. dispar asiatica to L. dispar japonica from the Russian Far East to South Korea [30].…”