Analysis of the phenetic structure of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus (L.) (Heteroptera, Pyrrhocoridae) in populations from the forest and forest-steppe zones of Russia

Abstract

The phenetic structure of population groups of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus (L.) from European Russia and the southern coast of the Crimea was studied. Thirteen discrete variations of the pronotal pattern, seven shape variants of the anterior spot on the elytra, and seven shape variants of the posterior spot on the elytra were distinguished. Comparative analysis of all the variations revealed three groups of populations. The northernmost populations are those from the mixed and broadleaved forest zone. More southern populations are restricted to northern and western parts of the forest-steppe zone within the Russian Plain. The southernmost populations mostly occur in the steppe zone and steppe areas within the forest-steppe zone. In the south of Eastern Europe, this group includes also populations from the Crimea.