Conjugated ranges of butterflies (Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera) in Vietnam as a tool for reconstructing faunogenetic processes

Abstract

New insights into butterfly distribution ranges are presented in the context of attempts to analyse faunogenetic processes. The mimetic ranges of models and their mimics are considered for the first time. The geographic patterns of phenotypic similarity between Parantica models and their mimics are demonstrated. It is shown that development of similar specific traits in the models distributed in different geographic areas was accompanied by their mimics acquiring the same traits. Abundance of the phenotypically similar pairs and sympatric butterfly species suggests both migratory evolution scenarios and survival and divergence in refugia during global climate changes. Isolated or overlapping ranges (interactive ranges) in similar species result from their potential or recurrent contacts. The vicariant ranges are considered as conjugated ranges for the first time. The pattern of range substitution shows a connection with the boundaries of biogeographic entities and centers of diversity.