Abstract
Chromosomal data are important for taxonomists, cytogeneticists and evolutionary biologists; however, the value of these data decreases sharply if they are obtained for individuals with inaccurate species identification or unclear species identity. To avoid this problem, here we suggest linking each karyotyped sample with its DNA barcode, photograph and precise geographic data, providing an opportunity for unambiguous identification of described taxa and for delimitation of undescribed species. Using this approach, we present new data on chromosome number diversity in neotropical butterflies of the subfamily Biblidinae (genus Vila Kirby, 1871) and the tribe Ithomiini (genera Oleria Hübner, 1816, Ithomia Hübner, 1816, Godyris Boisduval, 1870, Hypothyris Hübner, 1821, Napeogenes Bates, 1862, Pseudoscada Godman et Salvin, 1879 and Hyposcada Godman et Salvin, 1879). Combining new and previously published data we show that the species complex Oleria onega (Hewitson, [1852]) includes three discrete chromosomal clusters (with haploid chromosome numbers n = 15, n = 22 and n = 30) and at least four DNA barcode clusters. Then we discuss how the incomplete connection between these chromosomal and molecular data (karyotypes and DNA barcodes were obtained for different sets of individuals) complicates the taxonomic interpretation of the discovered clusters.
Highlights
Chromosomal data are an important source of information for taxonomic, evolutionary and comparative phylogenetic studies (White 1973)
The application of these data is often difficult because of unclear taxonomic identity (e.g. Petrova et al 2015) or doubtful species identification of the samples that were used as vouchers for karyotype analysis [e.g. some samples and identifications in Robinson (1971) and Brown et al (2004)]
It is not surprising that the neotropical fauna of Nymphalidae is very rich in species
Summary
Chromosomal data are an important source of information for taxonomic, evolutionary and comparative phylogenetic studies (White 1973). One can try to find these samples, provided that they were neatly labeled and can be recognized, are stored in accessible museums and have not been lost, and check their identification using taxonomic literature or comparison with type specimens It is complicated and almost impossible in practice. The barcoding DNA protocol provides a standardized system for storing information on vouchers that served as the basis for DNA barcoding, including the image, the exact label and the storage location of the samples. This makes it possible, if necessary, to relatively find and re-examine a voucher
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