European Distribution Range Research Articles

Seasonal and environmental factors contribute to the variation in the gut microbiome: A large-scale study of a small bird.

Environmental variation can shape the gut microbiome, but broad/large-scale data on among and within-population heterogeneity in the gut microbiome and the associated environmental factors of wild populations is lacking. Furthermore, previous studies have limited taxonomical coverage, and knowledge about wild avian gut microbiomes is still scarce. We investigated large-scale environmental variation in the gut microbiome of wild adult great tits across the species' European distribution range. We collected fecal samples to represent the gut microbiome and used the 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the bacterial gut microbiome. Our results show that gut microbiome diversity is higher during winter and thatthere are compositional differences between winter and summer gut microbiomes. During winter, individuals inhabiting mixed forest habitat show higher gut microbiome diversity, whereas there was no similar association during summer. Also, temperature was found to be a small contributor to compositional differences in the gut microbiome. We did not find significant differences in the gut microbiome among populations, nor any association between latitude, rainfall and the gut microbiome. The results suggest that there is a seasonal change in wild avian gut microbiomes, but that there are still many unknown factors that shape the gut microbiome of wild bird populations.

Habitat Diversity, Environmental Conditions, and Distribution of Endangered Fungus Sarcosoma globosum (Ascomycota) in Lithuania.

Sarcosoma globosum (Pezizales, Ascomycota) is a rare and endangered fungus, and it is believed to be extinct in most central European countries. Known records of S. globosum in Lithuania reveal that it is situated on the south-western edge of a shrinking geographical distribution range in Europe. An assessment of the species' current habitat conditions and threats could enhance and provide new knowledge and guidelines to facilitate the efficient conservation of this threatened fungus and its habitats. The main aim of this study was to analyse the habitats and environmental conditions of S. globosum in Lithuania. We examined the diversity of habitats, various soil and tree stand characteristics, forest management activities, and natural disturbances in all 28 known fungus localities. S. globosum habitats in Lithuania are restricted to coniferous forests with the presence of Picea abies; the species was observed in boreo-nemoral bilberry western spruce taiga (the European Nature Information System habitat type T3F14), continental tall-herb western spruce taiga (T3F44), and native fir, spruce, larch, and cedar plantations (T3N1). An analysis of forest stand age structures in Lithuanian S. globosum localities revealed a rather large proportion of young Norway spruce stands of cultural origin (25.6% of study plots were assigned to age classes from 21 to 50 years); nevertheless, the majority of fungus growth sites were situated in older forests. Various natural and anthropogenic disturbances that threaten S. globosum habitats were assessed.

Using DNA metabarcoding to separate natural and human provided food in wild boar diet at the northern distribution range of Europe

Wild boar Sus scrofa is increasing in numbers and extending its distribution across Europe and is difficult to control due to high reproductive potential. Dietary quality is a main determinant of wild boar population dynamics, and the extent to which they rely on human‐provided food provide a key to limit their distribution. Yet, we lack data on wild boar diet from northern Europe. Here we use DNA‐metabarcoding of faecal samples (n = 50) to determine wild boar diet during fall and winter in Norway. We mainly aimed to quantify the extent to which wild boar relies on natural or human‐provided food sources. A secondary aim was to determine whether diet varies with individual characteristics (sex, age or weight), season (winter or fall), and between the two regions with wild boar in Norway. We found a high degree of diet variability between individuals. Individuals consuming high amounts of edible fungi consumed low amounts of plant material. The (heavier) male wild boars consumed 50% more human provided food than the (lighter) female wild boars. There was no clear effect of age, season (winter versus fall), or region on diet with the sample size available. The negative correlation between plants and fungi in each sample suggests that using multiple primers targeting different taxa can provide quantitative diet information, and points to an important role of fungi (truffles) during winter and fall. The large individual variation in diet may reflect opportunistic feeding tactics in Scandinavian boreal forests, driven by a lack of acorns and few crops. Our study has relevance for understanding limitations of wild boars at their northern distribution range in Europe, and thus also provides important information for management.

Genetic diversity assessment of Helichrysum arenarium (Asteraceae) for the genetic restoration of declining populations.

Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (Asteraceae) is a self-compatible, insect-pollinated herb occurring in sand grasslands, and is declining and endangered in many parts of its European distribution range. A recovery plan of H. arenarium has been conducted in southern Belgium, involving plant translocations. We developed multiplex genotyping protocol for nine microsatellite markers previously published for Helichrysum italicum and two newly developed microsatellite markers for H. arenarium. Eleven polymorphic loci were associated (pooled) in two multiplex panels, to assess the genetic status of the only small remaining population in Belgium and of three large German populations used as seed source for propagating transplants. The small Belgian population was characterized by high clonality, with only two, however heterozygous, genets detected. The three large German populations showed high genetic diversity (H e ranging from 0.635 to 0.670) and no significant inbreeding coefficient values, despite expectations of geitonogamous selfing. Management practices (grazing livestock) increasing seed dispersal distances, inbreeding depression at early stages of development, and mechanisms preventing or delaying selfing might be hypothesized to explain the observed patterns. The two Belgian genotypes remained within genetic variation range of German populations so that the high genetic differentiation between Belgian and German populations (F ST values ranging from 0.186 to 0.206) likely resulted from genetic drift effects and small sample size. Transplants obtained from seeds sampled from the three large source populations from Germany constitute a highly diverse, noninbred gene pool, and are thus of high genetic quality for plant translocations.

Development of a SNaPshot assay for the genotyping of organellar SNPs in four closely related pines

Mitochondrial (mtDNA) and chloroplast (cpDNA) polymorphisms are valuable resources to study past demographic changes, phylogenetics and evolution, especially in forest tree species, where these genomes are haploid and uniparentally transferred. The organellar markers were usually scored separately using direct sequencing or PCR-based approaches, which can be time-consuming and expensive, especially in large-scale population genetics research. In this study, we developed an efficient and cost-effective SNaPshot assay for genotyping preselected ­mtDNA and cpDNA polymorphism in four closely related pine species including Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and three taxa from the Pinus mugo complex. We validated the method by genotyping the samples derived from 12 populations of the species from their wide geographical distribution range in Europe. The results proved high accuracy of the method with a genotyping success rate of 99.7%. The set of assayed markers shows significant genetic variation. By using multiplex SNaPshot assay, we provided an efficient and sensitive molecular tool for intra- and interspecific genetic analyses. The presented protocol is useful for fast and relatively cheap SNP genotyping of organelle genome of closely related pine species. The assayed SNPs allow studying the species discrimination and detailed investigations of their population history and structure. Given its numerous benefits and efficient genotyping rate, the SNaPshot method appears to be a valuable and practical resource for studying the genetic makeup of forest tree species. Particularly, it proves to be advantageous for population genetics.

Exploring the Chemical Content of Primula veris L. subsp. veris Wild-Growing Populations along a Climate Gradient: An HPLC-PDA-MS Quality Assessment of Flowers, Leaves and Roots for Sustainable Exploitation

Primula veris (cowslip) is an important medicinal–aromatic plant used traditionally for its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a valuable horticultural plant with ornamental value and agroalimentary interest (edible flowers and leaves). With extensive illegal harvesting across northern Greece to date, the long-term survival of Greek cowslip wild-growing populations seems compromised. With the aim to characterize the phytochemical content of locally adapted native genotypes of P. veris subsp. veris, we examined samples from 13 wild-growing populations sourced from 8 mountain areas along a longitudinal gradient of northern Greece. Flowers, leaves, and roots were separately evaluated with HPLC-PDA-MS for their chemical content to select the genotypes associated with the best phytochemical traits. The flowers were found to contain mainly flavonoids, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol triglycosides, with varied population contents, generally higher in northwestern population samples with a colder and more humid climate; however, all in line with the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) reports. The leaves were characterized by the prevalence of kaempferol and quercetin triglycosides, being generally higher than that of the flowers. In the roots, saponins were detected in relatively low percentages, and the phenolic glycosides were found up to nearly 2%. The results of this study suggest a potential specificity of the marginal Greek genotypes being at the edge of the species’ native distribution range in Europe and Asia. The phytochemical characterization herein supports the domestication process of Greek native cowslip genotypes. In turn, this may alleviate the overharvesting pressure in wild populations, thus contributing to species conservation and offering an incentive for farmers to sustainably cultivate at local scales well-adapted indigenous genotypes of high value.

Acanalonia conica (Hemiptera, Acanaloniidae) – a new exotic species in Bulgaria and Türkiye and its expansion in Europe

The green cone-headed planthopper, Acanalonia conica (Say, 1830) (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Flatidae), is native to North America and is already found in several European countries. The species is found to occur in Bulgaria and Türkiye for the first time and is the first representative of the family Acanaloniidae in both countries. The localities in Bulgaria where the species has been recorded are in the town of Malko Tarnovo, near the Turkish border, while the locality in Türkiye is in the Asiatic part of Istanbul. Data on the current distribution range in Europe, a list of plants on which A. conica has been found, and photos of the species are provided.

Hierodula tenuidentata Saussure, 1869 (Mantodea: mantidae) has settled down in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In this paper the first record of the alien mantis species Hierodula tenuidentata for Bosnia and Herzegovina is provided. This large mantis has considerably expanded its distribution range in Europe in the last years, particularly in Balkan Peninsula. We found several adult specimens on 22nd and 23rd of August 2021 in urban area of Mostar city in the south of the country. This finding confirms the species’ establishment in the western part of Balkan Peninsula and fills the distribution gap along the eastern Adriatic Sea coast.

АДАПТАЦИИ ВИДА К ОБИТАНИЮ НА ПЕРИФЕРИИ АРЕАЛА: ОБЗОР ОСОБЕННОСТЕЙ БИОЛОГИИ ПОЛЧКА (GLIS GLIS LINNAEUS, 1766) В САМОЙ ВОСТОЧНОЙ ПОПУЛЯЦИИ

Marked peculiarities in the biology of a species that may be observed, possibly regardless of genetic changes, on the periphery of the species habitat may provide for species survival under extreme conditions. The same may be relevant to populations that are isolated, marginal, or remote from the main distribution range of a species. With this in mind, several biological features of the edible dormouse were studied. This rodent species features a vast distribution range in Europe and partly in Asia. Differentiation into subspecies is mostly not observed within the range. This allows comparing the biology of a single species over significantly distant areas. The range of biotope preferences of the dormice on the periphery of their distribution is wider than in the central areas. In the former cases, these rodents were found in forests featuring a significant proportion of birch and aspen in the forest stand. These observations are similar to those on the northern boundary of the dormouse distribution range in Poland and Lithuania. Some specific features of the diet of the species are associated with these habitats. In the Zhiguli Mts. (Russia) and Lithuania, the main diet includes birch seeds. At the same time, fruits and berries, which are of major importance in the other parts of dormice distribution range, are completely absent among the juicy forages. These differences probably underlie the development of a unique mechanism of reproduction control, which is not observed in other mammalian species. On the periphery of the distribution range, the number of sources of the basic forages for the highly specialized species under study is increased compared to the rest of the distribution area, and the reproductive activity of dormice is annual. However, upon the absence of a sufficient amount of the high-calorie food, mass embryonic resorption in most of females occurs. In addition, in the easternmost population, a higher territoriality is featured by females rearing offspring, and the phenomenon of communal nesting by related females is not observed. To confirm whether the genetic or environmental factors are at the base of the biological features described, large-scale population genetic studies are warranted. At the present stage, field studies allow tracing analogous features in other parts of the species habitat and thus help illustrating the ecological plasticity of the oligophagous species under suboptimal conditions.

A new extinct species of Zavaljus Reitter (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) from Rovno amber: boreal distribution range since the Eocene

ABSTRACT A new extinct erotylid species of the extant Western Palaearctic genus Zavaljus Reitter, Z. lyubarskyi sp. nov., is described from Rovno amber. This fossil species represents the first report of this genus of the subfamily Xenoscelinae from the Eocene and the second known member of the genus. The new species is illustrated and compared with related extant and morphologically close extinct taxa from Bitterfeld, Baltic and Rovno amber. Probable palaeoecology of the new species is discussed. This newly described pleasing fungus beetle is unique amongst the assemblage of mid-late Eocene amber coleopterans in the exclusively boreal European distribution range of its recent congener.

Development of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers for Campanula glomerata L. (Campanulaceae).

Campanula glomerata L. (Campanulaceae) is a self-incompatible, insect-pollinated herb occurring in calcareous grasslands, and is declining and (critically) endangered in many parts of its European distribution range. It often exists as small and isolated populations. A recovery plan of C. glomerata has been implemented in southern Belgium, involving plant translocations. We developed microsatellite markers using an enriched genomic library and characterized 16 loci in 111 individuals from eight populations. These 16 loci were highly polymorphic, with 11 to 31 alleles per locus for a total of 329 alleles, and expected heterozygosity (He) ranging from 0.470 to 0.938. These highly polymorphic loci constitute a promising tool for detailed genetic analyses: assigning individuals to distinct multilocus genotypes will allow quantifying pollen dispersal, clonal propagation and sexual recruitment and identifying admixed seed progeny and their pollen donors. Evaluating the genetic status of existing populations and a genetic monitoring of the translocated populations will contribute to optimize success in restoring viable and evolutionary resilient populations.

Micro‐climate correlations and conserved sexual dimorphism of cuticular hydrocarbons in European populations of the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis

1. Protection against desiccation and chemical communication are two fundamental functions of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in insects. In the parasitoid jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker), characterised by a cosmopolitan distribution through largely different environments, CHCs function as universally recognised female sex pheromones. However, CHC uniformity as basis for sexual recognition may conflict with the desiccation protection function, expected to display considerable flexibility through adaptation to different environmental conditions.2. We compared male and female CHC profiles of N. vitripennis across a wide latitudinal gradient in Europe and correlated their CHC variation with climatic factors associated with desiccation. Additionally, we tested male mate discrimination behaviour between populations to detect potential variations in female sexual attractiveness.3. Results did not conform to the general expectation that longer, straight‐chain CHCs occur in higher proportions in warmer and drier climates. Instead, unexpected environmental correlations of intermediate chain‐length CHCs (C31) were found exclusively in females, potentially reflecting the different life histories of the sexes in N. vitripennis.4. Furthermore, we found no indication of population‐specific male mate preference, confirming the stability of female sexual attractiveness, likely conveyed through their CHC profiles. C31 mono‐ and C33 di‐methyl‐branched alkanes were consistently and most strongly associated with sexual dimorphism, suggesting their potential role in encoding the female‐specific sexual signalling function.5. Our study sheds light on how both adaptive flexibility and conserved sexual attractiveness can potentially be integrated and encoded in CHC profiles of N. vitripennis females across a wide distribution range in Europe.

Stellaria ruderalis M. Lepší, P. Lepší, Z. Kaplan et P. Koutecký, a new species record for the flora of Ukraine

Stellaria ruderalis is an annual (semi)ruderal species from the S. media group, which has been recently published by Lepší et al., therefore, its distribution range in Europe is insufficiently known. This paper is based on field exploration of 39 localities of S. media s.l. in the Lviv region, Western Ukraine. The first report of S. ruderalis in Ukraine comes from Dmytre village, where it grows at roadsides and arable field edges in a semiruderal habitat of the alliance Aegopodion podagrariae. As only a single population was found, Stellaria ruderalis is obviously still spreading in Western Ukraine, a fact which was reported already for northern Central Europe. This record represents the northeasternmost locality of the species so far known.

Successful post-glacial colonization of Europe by single lineage of freshwater amphipod from its Pannonian Plio-Pleistocene diversification hotspot

Gammarus roeselii Gervais, 1835 is a morphospecies with a wide distribution range in Europe. The Balkan Peninsula is known as an area of pre-Pleistocene cryptic diversification within this taxon, resulting in at least 13 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs). The morphospecies diversified there during Neogene and has probably invaded other parts of the continent very recently, in postglacial or even historical times. Thus, the detailed goals of our study were to (1) identify which lineage(s) colonized Central-Western Europe (CWE), (2) determine their possible geographical origin, (3) verify, whether the colonisation was associated with demographic changes. In total, 663 individuals were sequenced for the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcoding fragment and 137 individuals for the internal transcribed spacer II (ITS2). We identified two MOTUs in the study area with contrasting Barcode Index Number and haplotype diversities. The Pannonian Basin (PB) appeared to be a potential ice age refugium for the species, while CWE was colonised by a single lineage (also present in PB), displaying low genetic diversity. Our results suggest that G. roeselii is a relatively recent coloniser in CWE, starting demographic expansion around 10 kya.

Tracing the geographic origin of common pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) swarming at a mass hibernaculum

Mass swarming of tens of thousands of common pipistrelles in front of hibernacula of the Carpathian Mountains suggests that bats may originate from a large catchment area. However, until now neither banding nor molecular data have resolved the geographic origin of common pipistrelles at these sites. Here, we measured the acoustic activity of bats and the stable hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H) in metabolically inert fur keratin of bats to infer the relative swarming activity and the putative summer origin of bats, respectively, observed in autumn at Erňa cave, one of the largest bat hibernacula in Europe. Swarming activity declined with decreasing ambient temperature during the early season, while it increased during colder days towards the onset of hibernation. Based on δ2H values, we deduced that about 50% of the animals did not have a local origin. Provenance of all but one of these migrants was identified as the Pannonian Basin, while a single long-distance migrant may have originated from the northern margin of the species’ European distribution range. Modelling the variation in δ2H values of bats in response to sex, body condition and season suggested that, towards the onset of hibernation, males of low body condition were likely to be of distant geographic origin. Throughout the swarming season, females were mostly of local origin, yet towards the onset of hibernation, their body condition was not as variable as in males. We conclude that common pipistrelles observed at this mass hibernacula site are facultative migrants, which may undertake long-distance seasonal movements occasionally. At our study site, common pipistrelles are more likely to include long-distance migrants because of the mass occurrence of this species at this large hibernaculum.

A new species of the genus Archiboreoiulus Brolemann, 1921 (Diplopoda, Julida) from Movile Cave (Southern Dobrogea, Romania).

Up to the present, the genus Archiboreoiulus included only two species: A. sollaudi from France and A. pallidus with a wide European distribution range. Here we describe a previously unknown species of the genus Archiboreoiulus, A. serbansarbui, collected from the mesothermal sulfurous Movile Cave, Mangalia, Romania, harboring a rich and diverse troglobitic community.

Genetic Analysis by nuSSR Markers of Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth) Populations in Their Southern European Distribution Range.

In the main distribution area the genetic pattern of silver birch is dominated by two haplotypes: haplotype A located in the western and north-western Europe, and haplotype C in eastern and southeastern Europe, characterized by high levels of neutral genetic variability within populations, and low differentiation among populations. Information about the amount and structure of genetic variation in the southern marginal areas, representing rear populations left during the expansion of this species from southern glacial refugia, are lacking. The general aim of the study was to investigate the existence of the climatic characteristics typical of the environmental niche of the species, jointly to genetic organization, variation and gene flow, in marginal populations on the Italian Apennines and Greek Southern Rhodope and compare them with populations of the southern part of the main distribution range on the Alps and Balkans. Genetic analysis was performed using nuclear microsatellites loci on 311 trees sampled from 14 populations. Environmental analysis was performed on the multivariate analysis of derived climatic variables. The allelic pattern was analyzed to assess genetic diversity, population diversity and differentiation, population structure and gene flow. The geographic and environmental peripherality did not always match, with some Apennine sites at higher elevation enveloped in the environmental niche. In the peripheral populations on the Apennines, we observed a lower genetic diversity and higher differentiation, with evident genetic barriers detected around these sites. These characteristics were not shown in the marginal Greek populations. Unexpectedly, the southern Italian marginal populations showed genetic links with the Greek and central area of the distribution range. The Greek populations also showed evident gene flow with the Alpine and Balkan areas. The disparity of results in these two marginal areas show that it is not the geographic peripherality or even the ecological marginality that may shape the genetic diversity and structure of marginal populations, but primarily their position as part of the continuous range or as disjunct populations. This outcome suggests different considerations on how to manage their gene pools and the role that these rear populations can play in maintaining the biodiversity of this species.

First genetic evidence that invasive bullhead (Cottus L. 1758) in Scotland is of English origin and the difficulty of resolving the European Cottus species taxonomy.

The European bullhead (Cottus gobio) is widely distributed across Europe, and within the UK is native to England and Wales, where it is protected under the Habitats Directive. In Scotland, however, the species is considered invasive and thriving populations are recorded in the Forth and Clyde river catchments, and the Ale Water in the Scottish Borders. The genetic identity of the Scottish populations has not been established. There is also debate about the status of the European bullhead and its validity as single species, a species complex with several unresolved species, or distinct different species in its European distribution range. There is therefore a need to determine the taxonomy and likely source of the novel Scottish populations. Genetic analyses using cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) mitochondrial DNA sequences were undertaken on specimens from the Forth and Clyde catchments, and combined with the results of morphological characteristics to provide a comprehensive assessment of the taxonomic classification for Scottish bullheads. There was considerable variation in morphological characteristics between populations within Scotland and a wider range of variability than previously recorded for English populations. Genetically the Scottish populations were very closely related to English specimens, supporting the hypothesis of introduction directly from England to Scotland. In terms of broader relationships, Scottish specimens are genetically more closely related to the ostensible species Chabot fluviatile Cottus perifretum, which has been suggested as one of a complex of species across Europe. Morphologically they exhibit characteristics on the spectrum between C. perifretum and C. gobio. There is an urgent need for the clarification of the taxonomy of Cottus sp(p). to avoid confusion in future publications, legislation and management practices relating to bullheads throughout the UK and Europe.

The spread of the red-billed leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea) in Europe: The conquest by an overlooked invader?

The red-billed leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea) is an Asian-native passerine which has been introduced across several regions of the world, including Europe. Although it is widely considered to be among the most harmful bird invaders, its occurrence in Europe is still understudied. Here, we aim to assess its distribution and population status in Europe. We obtained records for ten countries distributed throughout 37 spatially independent regions. The species is already established in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The distribution range in Europe almost doubled between the periods of 2000–2008 and 2009–2017. A species distribution model showed that leiothrix presence probability increases with increasing combined values of human population density, spatial trend of occurrences, minimum temperature of the coldest month, precipitation of the driest quarter and precipitation seasonality. We identified two main introduction periods: late nineteenth and late twentieth centuries. In 1997, the species trade started to be regulated, resulting in a reduction of the imported numbers during the following years. Thus, the recent increase of the distribution range may be mostly related with self-dispersion. There has apparently been a great introduction rate near large urban areas which resulted in a broad spread into adjacent forests. The relationship between climatic traits and leiothrix presence may be due to its feeding ecology, as it often forages in wet soil and is limited by the availability of fruits and invertebrates. Future climate change scenarios can add further uncertainty to the invasion process by the leiothrix in Europe.

On the road: Postglacial history and recent expansion of the annual Atriplex tatarica in Europe

AbstractAimThe Holocene history of annual plant species is at best shadowy because, for most, the palaeobotanical data are scarce or absent. Hence, there is limited information on their glacial refugia and postglacial colonization pathways. Also, little is known on how human activity has affected their expansion. Here, we outline the joint influences of postglacial colonization and recent expansions on the genetic diversity of the continental, sub‐halophyte species Atriplex tatarica during the late Pleistocene and the Holocene.LocationEurope.TaxonAtriplex tatarica (Amaranthaceae).MethodsWe analysed 780 individuals from 80 populations throughout the current European distribution range, employing chloroplast DNA sequences and microsatellite markers.ResultsFive haplotype lineages were recognized based on the results of the cpDNA phylogenetic analyses. These lineages originated 0.43–0.22 myr BP. Bayesian clustering analyses divided populations of A. tatarica into two clusters: (a) populations in the Pannonian Basin and the Bohemian Massif and (b) populations in the North European Plain, the Balkan Peninsula, the Carpathian Arc and the Pontic region. The ABC approach provided the strongest statistical support for a model proposing refugia in the Balkan Peninsula and the Pannonian Basin. Expansions from these refugia occurred around 7,000 yr BP.Main conclusionAtriplex tatarica represents a continental species growing exclusively in man‐made habitats. It serves as a phylogeographic model for annual ruderal taxa currently spreading in central Europe along highways and representing a large group of alien plant species, the so‐called archaeophytes. Atriplex tatarica survived the last glaciation in both a southerly located Balkan refugium and in a more northerly refugium in the Pannonian Basin. From these, the species has colonized Europe as a result of expansion of humans and the anthropogenic climate change. The massive colonization of central north Europe is very recent, with the expansion estimated to have occurred only hundreds of years ago.