Abstract
This is the first study of the morphological and molecular variation in two peripheral populations of the butterfly Jutta Arctic, Oeneis jutta, a glacial relict species endangered by the fragmentation of its habitat in Poland. An analysis of the morphological characteristics indicates that both Polish populations are similar but differ significantly in some characteristics. Levels of genetic variation were assessed using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene fragments together with a segment of the mtDNA control region (CR) and a nuclear elongation factor-1a (EF-1a) gene sequence. In addition, the pattern of molecular variation in specimens from eastern and northern Europe was examined. Interestingly, the analysis of variation in a 932-bp sequence of the nuclear EF-1a gene in representatives of the populations studied revealed a relatively higher level of diversity than that of mitochondrial genes. There was evidence of divergence between the peripheral populations and lack of gene flow between them. The two closely situated populations had a high FST value (0.69), which clearly indicates their isolation. These populations appear to be demographically independent breeding units, with distinctive allele frequencies and consequently should be recognized as separate units for management and conservation. The preliminary results are in accord with an a priori subdivision based on collection areas and suggest that habitat fragmentation has affected the genetic diversity and structure of these populations.
Highlights
Range-wide patterns in the genetic diversity of species are recognized as being in part a consequence of glacial and postglacial range changes (Hewitt, 1996, 2001, 2004) shaped by demographic and genetic stochasticity
The results of the direct butterfly counts at the Suche Bagno study site were: 112 and 122 individuals in 2006 and 99, 141, and 162 in 2007
Within the context of the results presented here and the above information, it is difficult to state whether the range of Oeneis jutta in Poland has changed significantly
Summary
Range-wide patterns in the genetic diversity of species are recognized as being in part a consequence of glacial and postglacial range changes (Hewitt, 1996, 2001, 2004) shaped by demographic and genetic stochasticity. Peripheral populations occur near the outer boundary of the geographical range of a species and are often relatively small and isolated from the central populations. Small population size and founder effects will promote genetic drift and result in reduced genetic variation and increased differentiation of peripheral populations (Lesica & Allendorf, 1995, and references therein). Lack of viability and adaptability due to reduced genetic diversity within populations is recorded in many case studies (Schmitt & Hewitt, 2004, and references therein). Some authors consider peripheral populations important for the evolutionary future of species (a source of future speciation events) as they increase their ability to evolve new adaptations (Lesica & Allendorf, 1995). Species at the edge of their range, in some cases, should be conserved
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