Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of different DNA regions as genetic markers in the hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Abstract

A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis using mitochondrial (A+T-rich region; mtDNA) and genomic (zen-region; nDNA) DNA was performed on 182 female individuals of Episyrphus balteatus (DeGeer), a widespread aphidophagous hoverfly with supposed migratory behaviour. Specimens originated from 13 sampling sites in six European countries. The analyses revealed 12 and 18 haplotypes, respectively, for the two DNA types, several of them with a wide distribution, although seven and eight haplotypes, respectively, occurred only in one location. In contrast to other studies on mobile insects, the genetic diversity was relatively high. However, lack of population subdivision, low genetic distances between populations, the very high gene flow rates, and the complete lack of isolation by distance suggest that E. balteatus populations are largely connected and that there is an absence of large-scale geographic structuring. These results support the hypothesis that E. balteatus is a migratory hoverfly species, capable of moving over large distances. These findings related to the seasonal migrations of this species are discussed.

Landscape genetics and spatial pattern of phenotypic variation ofEristalis tenaxacross Europe

“…Similarly, another common migratory hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer 1776) revealed that European populations are connected to a large extent and form one large panmictic population (Hondelmann et al. ). However, molecular study of another widely distributed hoverfly species Cheilosia vernalis (Fallen 1817) indicated that historic factors may play a significant role in genetic divergence among geographically distant populations (Milankov et al.…”

Mitochondrial genomes of the hoverflies Episyrphus balteatus and Eupeodes corollae (Diptera: Syrphidae), with a phylogenetic analysis of Muscomorpha

“…Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to animals, such as birds, protecting it from predation24. Often exhibiting dense migratory swarm behavior, this, and the resemblance to wasps, may panic unaware people25. Its feeding habit is rare among adult flies, as it is capable of crushing pollen grains as a food source26.…”

Combination of morphometric and isotopic tools for studying spring migration dynamics in Episyrphus balteatus

“…Finally, morphological differences are also often associated with genetic structure (Villemant et al 2007, Francoy et al 2011, Vicente et al 2011, Neto et al 2013. However, previous studies found no evidence for genetic structure either in relation with geographical origin (Hondelmann et al 2005, Raymond et al 2013b, or with overwintering strategy (Raymond et al 2013a) in E. balteatus. This lack of genetic structure may reduce the degree of morphological variation between individuals originating from different regions or using different overwintering strategies.…”

“…Although most aphidophagous hoverfly species are migratory and provide ecosystem services that are important for agriculture, issues related to migration have rarely been addressed in these species. Lack of genetic differentiation between E. balteatus overwintering strategies (Raymond et al 2013a) as between geographical origins (Hondelmann et al 2005, Raymond et al 2013b leads to consider alternative approaches to understand migration patterns of this species.…”