Mountain Locality Research Articles

Adaptions of hunter-gatherers before Younger Dryas in Gobi Desert, northwest China: Flexible technological strategies in Pigeon Mountain Locality 10

The role of Oasis-based economies was pivotal for Hunter-gatherers in the Gobi Desert following the Last Glacial Maximum. Despite this significance, there has been a lack of systematic technological studies on lithic assemblages to investigate the technological strategies employed by hunter-gatherers for desert adaptation. In this study, we conducted a lithic analysis based on new excavations at Pigeon Mountain Locality 10 (QG10), focusing on archaeological remains from CL3 and CL2 dating back to 13.7–11.7 ka cal BP. Our findings reveal that the lithic technology employed reflects a flexible strategy, characterized by expedient flake production, the versatility of flake cores, and a diverse array of microblade cores and tools. Notably, we observed an expedient organizational strategy in microblade production, involving minimal investment in pre-shaping microblade cores and reduced depletion in core rejuvenation. Additionally, there was a heightened use of local quartzite raw materials, indicating enhanced flexibility, possibly influenced by the relatively dry and cold environmental changes during that period.

Особенности производства геодезических работ в горной местности

The authors discuss the features and problems of conducting geodetic surveys under specific mountain conditions and outline possible ways to improve the efficiency of the work. The hard-to-reach areas and significant elevation differences are the main difficulties of making measurements in the mountains. These factors negatively affect the accuracy, efficiency and cost of all surveying methods. It is stated that the most effective one of them in the mountains is that of spatial linear-angular measurements. This method enables performing entire complex of coordinate determinations using a total station only. The deviations of the plumb lines and vertical refraction decrease the trigonometric leveling accuracy and limit the field of spatial linear-angular measurements application. It is necessary to develop a technology for designing such a network in mountainous localities, which includes taking into account the influence of plumb lines deviation and vertical refraction error

Composition and diversity of bacterial communities associated with honey bee foragers from two contrasting environments.

The honey bee is associated with a diverse community of microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists), commonly known as the microbiome. Here, we present data on honey bee microbiota from two localities having different surrounding landscapes - mountain (the Rhodope Mountains) and lowland (the Danube plain). The bacterial communities of abdomen of adult bees were studied using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The composition and dominance structure and their variability within and between localities, alpha and beta diversity, and core and differential taxa were compared at different hierarchical levels (operational taxonomic units to phylum). Seven genera (Lactobacillus, Gilliamella, Bifidobacterium, Commensalibacter, Bartonella, Snodgrassella, and Frischella), known to include core gut-associated phylotypes or species clusters, dominated (92-100%) the bacterial assemblages. Significant variations were found in taxa distribution across both geographical regions and within each apiary. Lactobacillus (Firmicutes) prevailed significantly in the mountain locality followed by Gilliamella and Bartonella (Proteobacteria). Bacteria of four genera, core (Bartonella and Lactobacillus) and non-core (Pseudomonas and Morganella), dominated the bee-associated assemblages of the Danube plain locality. Several ubiquitous bacterial genera (e.g., Klebsiella, Serratia, and Providencia), some species known also as potential and opportunistic bee pathogens, had been found in the lowland locality. Beta diversity analyses confirmed the observed differences in the bacterial communities from both localities. The occurrence of non-core taxa contributes substantially to higher microbial richness and diversity in bees from the Danube plain locality. We assume that the observed differences in the microbiota of honey bees from both apiaries are due to a combination of factors specific for each region. The surrounding landscape features of both localities and related vegetation, anthropogenic impact and land use intensity, the beekeeping management practices, and bee health status might all contribute to observed differences in bee microbiota traits.

An assessment of collection specimen data for South African mountain plants and invertebrates

South Africa is considered a megadiverse country, with exceptionally high plant and relatively high animal species richness and endemism. The country’s species have been surveyed and studied for over 200 years, resulting in extensive natural science collections and a vast number of scientific papers and books. This study assessed whether existing data portals provide access to occurrence data and investigated the extent of the data in Global Biodiversity Information Facility and its completeness for plants and selected invertebrate taxa. The main focus was preserved specimen data, but some observation data from iNaturalist were also considered for selected analyses. Records that include species-level identification and co-ordinates were mapped in QGIS to show the coverage of collection localities across the country. The records that fall within the mountain range spatial layer were then extracted and counted to identify density of records per mountain range for various taxa. Forty percent of plant records are from mountain localities, and the Atlantic Cape Fold Mountains had the highest density of records. Table Mountain has been extensively collected for plants and invertebrates. A large proportion of the records for invertebrates lacked species-level identification and co-ordinates, resulting in a low number of records for analyses. The accessible data are only a relatively small subset of existing collections, and digitisation and data upgrading is considered a high priority before collecting gaps can be addressed by targeted surveys.

High‐Velocity Slip and Thermal Decomposition of Carbonates: Example From the Heart Mountain Slide Ultracataclasites, Wyoming

AbstractThe Heart Mountain Slide in Wyoming is one of the largest known terrestrial gravity slides (3,500 km2) formed ∼49 Ma ago by the nearly horizontal detachment of Paleozoic‐Eocene cover sliding on top of autochthonous formations. At the White Mountain locality, exposures offer an exceptional opportunity to investigate high strain rate/high velocity processes in carbonates. Here we use the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of 274 samples to shed light on ultracataclastic deformation along this detachment. Contrary to predictions, the carbonate ultracataclasite displays a consistent AMS fabric, particularly in the upper ultracataclasite. The AMS in this unit is controlled primarily by magnetite formed through the breakdown of iron sulfides caused by frictional heating. Additional thermomagnetic experiments reveal that the new magnetic fabric began forming ∼250ºC and continued up to ∼400ºC when calcination of carbonate minerals caused a major drop in friction. The main cataclastic slip direction inferred from AMS is ∼N033°, at odds with the previously accepted NNW‐SSE direction. We validate these AMS fabrics through 3D shape preferred orientation analysis and micro X‐ray scanning of the same specimens. These results, however, may only represent cataclastic flow directions at the local scale as a result of synkinematic rotation of the White Mountain block. Alternatively, these results may call for a re‐evaluation of the large scale movement of the slide. Finally, this study demonstrates the usefulness of a magnetic approach in deciphering deformation processes in carbonates, particularly in high strain rate cases such as seismic faults.

Avifauna diversity assessment in the Communal Natural Protected Area El Gavilán, Central Coast of Oaxaca, Mexico

Tropical dry forest (TDF) is an ecosystem with a pronounced seasonality and high animal diversity. It is threatened by a wide variety of anthropogenic activities such as human population growth, deforestation rate, tourism development, forest fires, overhunting, and wildlife trade. One of the strategies for this biodiversity conservation is the creation of Communal Natural Protected Areas (CNPA), which are poorly explored. The aim of this study was to supply an assessment of the avian diversity in the CNPA El Gavilán on the Central Coast of Oaxaca (Mexico) during two seasons (dry and rainy). Sampling has been carried out at two localities (named as Centre and Mountain) between November 2018 and September 2019, using a point count method. At each locality, we sampled one transect varying in length, but with five-point counts separated by a minimum of 200 m. We made monthly two visits per transect. Birds were counted from a fixed raising position within a circle of 50-m radius for a specific period (10 min.) at every point. In total, 85 species were recorded, which belong to 65 genera, 24 families, and 13 orders. The most representative order was Passeriformes with 53 species. Most species (83) were considered very rare, and two species (Aratinga canicularis and Calocitta formosa) were rare. Regarding the avian diversity, 0D, the Centre locality had 74 species (19 exclusive species), while the Mountain locality had 65 species (11 exclusive species). The dry season had a higher diversity (Hʹ = 3.44) than the rainy season (Hʹ= 3.41), but there were no significant differences (Hutcheson t = 0.365, d.f. = 1, p > 0.05). Eighty-two percent (70 species) were considered residents, 15.3% (13 species) were winter migrants, 1.2% (one species) were summer migrants, and 1.2% (one species) were transient. Of the total registered taxa, 50 species were principally insectivorous, 14 species were grain-frugivorous, eight species were omnivorous, six species were carnivorous, and six species were nectarivorous. The avifauna of CNPA El Gavilán shows that a marked effect does not exist in the species composition between seasons. Due to the species richness recorded and estimated there, the study area should be considered in conservation policies, particularly because this territory is under intense pressure due to changes in land use.

Techno-Economic Analysis of an Energy Community Based on PV and Electric Storage Systems in a Small Mountain Locality of South Italy: A Case Study

The ecological transition at the centre of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the relevant EU policies are increasingly becoming an emerging issue in the political choices of most countries. It is an important challenge to ensure sustainable development and overcome the issue of energy supply. Italy produces 35% of its electricity consumption, a too low percentage that obligates the nation to purchase abroad to cover the overall needs. Energy communities can represent an interesting and viable option for businesses and citizens struggling with the abrupt rising of energy prices. In community energy systems, the energy demand of a group of households or public services is met by electricity collectively generated through renewable sources and this feature is particularly suggested in small towns to promote social benefits and environmental advantages. In this work, possible scenarios of an implementable energy community were investigated for the small mountain municipality of Soveria Mannelli, located in Southern Italy. A building stock made of four public edifices was used as a reference case for which heating needs were determined by dynamic simulations based on the EN ISO 52016-1 procedure. Other simulations carried out in the TRNSYS environment allowed for implementing different schemes of the energy community considering diverse building interaction modes, in which photovoltaic generators and electric batteries cooperate to supply heat pump systems to assure the maximum share of self-consumed electric energy. Indeed, this paper is targeted at the identification of the best solution in terms of technical and economic performance. Despite an evident study limitation is represented by the exclusive use of PV and electric storage systems, the results demonstrate a potential CO2 emission reduction of over 80%. The more profitable solution for the Municipality was identified with an NPV of 11 k€ in 20 years with appreciable payback.

The first molecular phylogeny of Blosyrini weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) rejects monophyly of the tribe and documents a new Asian clade with the highest diversity in the Hengduan Mountains.

This paper targets diversity and phylogeny of the Old World weevil tribe Blosyrini and, specifically, its Asian members. Phylogenetic analysis of one mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA fragments from 78 terminals reveals that Blosyrini weevils, although monophyletic in Asia, in Madagascar, and in continental Africa, do not share a unique common ancestor. Instead, they form a strongly supported clade together with representatives of two other tribes of broad-nosed weevils: Cneorhinini and Dermatodini. The Asian members of the tribe form a moderately supported clade, of which the monophyletic genus Trachyphloeoides is a sister to the strongly supported rest, Blosyrini Clade X (BCX). Owing to the convoluted and non-phylogenetic taxonomy, BCX cannot be at present reliably referred to by any existing genus-group name. All 112 DNA barcodes of BCX (including one larva) from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal form 34 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs). Each of seven comprehensively sampled mountainous localities in Sichuan (Gongga Shan, Emei Shan, Songpan) and Yunnan (Cang Shan, Gaoligong Shan, Haba Shan, Jizu Shan) supports between one and six BINs of BCX. With two exceptions, all BINs of BCX in Sichuan (8) and Yunnan (10) display strong biological preferences for either mid-altitude primary deciduous forests or the high elevation alpine zone. Seven strongly supported clades are recognized within BCX, some of them morphologically diagnosable. Temporal analysis corroborates the results of BIN clustering and interrelationships within BCX. The most recent common ancestor of BCX lived in the mid-Miocene (14.15 Ma, 95% confidence interval 17.511.2 Ma), with much of the subsequent diversification preceding or coinciding with the Pliocene-Pleistocene climatic fluctuations.

Mortality in the Western Pyrenees during the 18th century. Data from the parish register of the village of Arudy (1741-1800), Bearn, France.

We aimed to determine the public health status of an 18th century mountain locality. We collected data registered in parish death certificates from Arudy, a small village in the French Pyrenees during the period 1741-1800. Two thousand and six hundred and sixty-three cases were studied. About 50% of deaths occurred during the first 10 years of life. There were some particularities in deaths pattern with regards to age categories between males and females and seasonality. A fraction of individuals died at advanced ages (24.1% ≥60 years and of note three cases ≥100 years). The cause of death was reported in only 2.2% of cases (nearly always sudden fatalities). Maternal mortality could not be precisely determined. Throughout this period we identified a series of mortality crises which targeted mostly children and were probably in relation with undocumented epidemics. These data offer some clues about the sanitary situation of an European mountain community during the 18th century.

New Evidence on the Distribution of the Highly Endangered Natrix natrix cypriaca and Implications for Its Conservation.

Simple SummaryThe Cyprus grass snake (Natrix natrix cypriaca) is a critically endangered subspecies, endemic to the island of Cyprus. The species can be found in areas mainly related to water (lakes, dams and rivers), that are protected under the Natura 2000 network. Recently volunteers reported sightings of the species outside of its currently known distribution. To address those reports and investigate the possible presence of the species outside its distribution, a rapid survey approach was designed and implemented. The survey provided evidence on several sightings outside of the species’ distribution, identifying new localities for the first time in 25 years and highlighting the importance of sparse springs within systems of ephemeral streams for the species population. This exciting discovery brings new opportunities and responsibilities regarding the conservation of the species. We are proposing targeted conservation actions and stress the importance of expanding the research on this critically endangered subspecies, based on current findings.The critically endangered Cyprus grass snake (Natrix natrix cypriaca) has been studied for the past 25 years. Although the need for a complete survey on the distribution of its population, outside the strict boundaries of the known mountainous localities, had been stressed, such an effort has not been conducted to date. In this study, we used a rapid survey approach to investigate possible sightings of the species upstream of the known distribution in the Troodos Mountains. We are presenting evidence from 13 sightings of the species that expand the previously known distribution in Cyprus by nearly 70%. This is the first time that new localities for the critically endangered N. n. cypriaca have been reported since the rediscovery of the species in 1992 and the extensive work that followed. Almost all new localities were discovered outside of the currently known species distribution, while individuals were found, for the first time, within the Natura 2000 site of Dasos Machaira (CY2000004) with indications of healthy populations in the area. New localities were recorded within watersheds of the Pediaios and Gialias Rivers, the first sightings outside of Serrachis watershed, indicating an even broader distribution of the species in the Troodos region. The importance of sparse springs within systems of ephemeral streams is highlighted as an exceptional niche for the population in the region. We are discussing the importance of our findings for the conservation of the species and propose targeted conservation actions that will highly improve connectivity of the populations in the region. We underline the necessity of expanding the research on this critically endangered subspecies, based on current findings, so as to fully comprehend its ecology and distribution range in the region.

Sui caratteri di spiccata marittimità dei climi di alta montagna

The continentality level depends on several geographical factors, such as altitude which also plays an important role. In effect, the aim of this work is to carry out some simple tests related to the relationship continentality-altitude, by: a) calculating the regressions between altitude and a series of indices deriving from the analysis of the yearly march of temperature for each location examined; b) evaluating the characteristics of the thermal regime of some high mountain localities. The results obtained confirm a trend towards for a marked increase in the degree of oceanicity of the climate along with increasing altitude.

New Records of Rare Hypogeous Fungi from Poland (Central Europe)

Investigations carried out in recent years have provided new data on the localities of some rare hypogeous fungi in Central Europe. In this study, we present new localities of <em>Leucangium carthusianum</em>, <em>Melanogaster luteus</em>, and <em>Rhizopogon </em><em>melanogastroides</em>, two of which are new for Poland. Sporocarps of <em>L. carthusianum </em>were found in seven new localities in mixed and coniferous forests in the Western Carpathians as well as in Sudetes. In Poland, the species was also recorded in a mixed forest in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Fir, <em>Abies alba</em>, accompanied the fungus in almost all known localities. Three localities of <em>M. luteus </em>were found in the Polish Western and Eastern Carpathians in <em>Alnus incana </em>communities mostly associated with streams. Knowledge of the distribution of this species in Europe is incomplete due to the complicated taxonomic history; nevertheless, it is regarded as rare, despite its wide distribution. One new locality of <em>R. melanogastroides </em>recorded in the Tatra Mts, Western Carpathians, is the fourth known to date. This species is mostly associated with <em>Pinus mugo </em>in high mountain localities (the Alps, the Tatra Mts). In this study, detailed descriptions and illustrations of the macro- and micromorphological features of the species are provided.

Primera cita de Culex interrogator (Diptera: Culicidae) para la Hispaniola y actualización del listado de mosquitos de Jarabacoa, República Dominicana

Desde que dio inicio el nuevo siglo, varios estudios sobre la culicidofauna de la Hispaniola han elevado el conocimiento de este grupo de artrópodos, muy relevantes desde el punto de vista médico y veterinario. En relación a la diversidad de la familia Culicidae, los hallazgos más recientes se han realizado en el municipio de Jarabacoa, República Dominicana. Con el objetivo de profundizar en la diversidad de los culícidos presentes en esta localidad montañosa de El Cibao, se procedió a la búsqueda de criaderos de mosquitos, sobre todo de origen natural, desde enero de 2018 hasta junio de 2019. La identificación de los especímenes se realizó mediante la utilización de lupa binocular y microscopio, con la ayuda de claves taxonómicas. Se reportan seis nuevas especies para Jarabacoa, sumando un total de 22 para el municipio, sobre las cuales se analizan cuestiones como su bioecología y su papel en la transmisión de agentes patógenos, entre otras. Destaca la presencia de Culex interrogator Dyar y Knab, 1906, especie que se reporta por primera vez en la Hispaniola, y por segunda en el Caribe insular. A pesar de que este culícido no está implicado hasta la fecha en la transmisión de patógenos al ser humano, otras especies encontradas en este estudio como Anopheles crucians Wiedemann, 1828, Aedes scapularis (Rondani, 1848) y Psorophora confinnis (Lynch Arribálzaga, 1891) deben ser tenidas en cuenta en los programas de vigilancia y control, a tenor de su relevancia médica.

Nanoscale 3D quantitative imaging of 1.88 Ga Gunflint microfossils reveals novel insights into taphonomic and biogenic characters

Precambrian cellular remains frequently have simple morphologies, micrometric dimensions and are poorly preserved, imposing severe analytical and interpretational challenges, especially for irrefutable attestations of biogenicity. The 1.88 Ga Gunflint biota is a Precambrian microfossil assemblage with different types and qualities of preservation across its numerous geological localities and provides important insights into the Proterozoic biosphere and taphonomic processes. Here we use synchrotron-based ptychographic X-ray computed tomography to investigate well-preserved carbonaceous microfossils from the Schreiber Beach locality as well as poorly-preserved, iron-replaced fossil filaments from the Mink Mountain locality, Gunflint Formation. 3D nanoscale imaging with contrast based on electron density allowed us to assess the morphology and carbonaceous composition of different specimens and identify the minerals associated with their preservation based on retrieved mass densities. In the Mink Mountain filaments, the identification of mature kerogen and maghemite rather than the ubiquitously described hematite indicates an influence from biogenic organics on the local maturation of iron oxides through diagenesis. This non-destructive 3D approach to microfossil composition at the nanoscale within their geological context represents a powerful approach to assess the taphonomy and biogenicity of challenging or poorly preserved traces of early microbial life, and may be applied effectively to extraterrestrial samples returned from upcoming space missions.

A new terrestrial trace fossil Feoichnus martini n. isp. from the Upper Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation (USA)

AbstractA new trace fossil, Feoichnus martini new ichnospecies, from the Two Medicine Formation is here described. This ichnotaxon is reported from the upper Campanian deposits of the Egg Mountain locality (Montana) and consists of a hemispherical to hemiellipsoidal structure with a truncated upper edge, and a regular, rounded lower edge marked by a lined border composed of stained layers. The trace maker likely impregnated the border using organic fluids. The simple lined wall observed in F. martini n. isp. suggests that the structure was produced by an invertebrate soil-dwelling organism, likely an insect. Specimens are preserved as casts in calcitic Inseptisols alongside an abundant vertebrate fossil record composed by dinosaurian and nondinosaurian fossil remains, dinosaur eggs and nest structures, and pervasive insect bioturbation. Feoichnus martini n. isp. represents an additional, minor component of the impoverished Celliforma ichnofacies reported at Egg Mountain and expands the paleogeographical distribution of the ichnogenus Feoichnus Krause et al., 2008 to the Upper Cretaceous deposits of Montana, USA.UUID: http://zoobank.org/7c1a5026-7f27-4f12-a9fb-1eb8daa93baf

Ground beetles communities (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the Piana degli Albanesi surroundings (Sicily, Italy)

Piana degli Albanesi (Sicily, Italy) is a mountain locality (800 meters above sea level) near Palermo. It is situated in a valley surrounded by four mountains (Pizzuta, Kumeta, Maganoce, Xeravulli) that ends at the lake of Piana degli Albanesi. Piana degli Albanesi and its surroundings are very important localities in the Sicilian entomological history with numerous records. In this work, we show the Carabidae populations that live in this study area, with particular attention to the total number of species present and to their ecological and biogeographical characteristics. Carabids are useful bioindicators, often used to identify habitat alterations; research focused on them allows obtaining different information on the environments studied.

Insect trace fossils elucidate depositional environments and sedimentation at a dinosaur nesting site from the Cretaceous (Campanian) Two Medicine Formation of Montana

We describe the diversity and abundance of insect (specifically hymenopterans and coleopterans) pupation structures in the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Two Medicine Formation at the Egg Mountain locality, western Montana, U.S.A., an important dinosaur nesting site. The study interval comprises a massive calcareous siltstone and indurated silty limestone horizons interpreted as the product of cumulative paleosols. A 7 m by 11 m area was quarried with a jackhammer at intervals of 12.5 cm thickness for a 1.5 m thick stratigraphic section. The ichnoassemblage comprises four morphotypes (small, medium, large, and wide) assigned to Fictovichnus sciuttoi, of which three represent wasp (hymenopteran) cocoons while the fourth (wide) type potentially was produced by a coleopteran. Medium and small F. sciuttoi are dominant while large and wide Fictovichnus are less common and absent in some sample intervals. Other probable insect traces include partial perforations in cocoons (Tombownichnus), isolated burrows, and an enigmatic hemispherical trace. Material is representative of a depauperate Celliforma ichnofacies. Pervasive cocoons and other traces throughout the sequence suggest persistent soil conditions suitable for insect nesting and pupation, and suggest an absence of sediment pulses of sufficient thickness to prohibit thorough colonization. Peaks in pupation chamber abundance may reflect episodes of reduced sedimentation rates otherwise unseen in the absence of primary bedding structures. Well-drained and friable soil conditions favorable for insect nesting also may help explain the abundance of dinosaur nests and other vertebrate nesting events in associated strata as well as the presence of small terrestrial forms.

A comparison of dung beetle assemblages (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) collected 34 years apart in an Iberian mountain locality

Knowing how recent environmental changes may have affected species diversity is a major objective to estimate the consequences of habitat alteration and climate change. In this study two dung beetle inventories made in the same locality of the Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid, Spain) 34 years apart (1983–2017) are compared. Changes in diversity, species richness, abundances and composition were analysed and species replacements described considering the three main functional dung beetle groups: large paracoprids, small paracoprids and small endocoprids. In addition, changes in vegetation cover and climate between the two periods were also analysed to examine their association with the detected faunistic changes. Both the vegetation and climatic data show that the surveyed locality would have experienced an increase in the area covered by bushes and forest and an increase in temperature and warm conditions during the 34 years. These changes are associated with a probable increase in species richness and species dominance, a decrease in diversity and an important change in composition that would have positively affected small paracoprids but negatively affected large paracoprids.

Trochodendraceous Fruits and Foliage in the Miocene of Western North America

Two fossil fruit types and at least one fossil leaf type representing Trochodendraceae are recognized from the middle Miocene Cascadia flora of western Oregon, USA. Trochodendron rosayi sp. nov., known also from the middle Miocene of eastern Oregon and northern Idaho, is based on long-pedicelled, apically dehiscent capsular fruits with 7-9 persistent outcurved styles, very similar to the extant monotypic east Asian species T. aralioides. Concavistylon kvacekii gen. et sp. nov. is named for a racemose infructescence bearing shortly pedicellate, apically dehiscent capsules with 4 to 5 persistent incurved styles arising from the basal 1/3 of the fruit. Leaves associated at the Moose Mountain locality are recognized as Trochodendron postnastae sp. nov. They have basally acrodromous venation with a prominent midvein bracketed by a pair of strongly ascending basal secondaries and are thought to correspond to the T. rosayi fruits. These new occurrences demonstrate that greater diversity was present among fossil Trochodendraceae than previously recognized during the Miocene in western North America.

Phylogeography, genetic structure and wing pattern variation of Erebia pronoe (Esper, 1780) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Europe.

The distribution of genetic diversity within Erebia pronoe (Esper, 1780) populations in relation to biogeographic ranges is essential for understanding the processes of evolution, speciation and phylogeography in this species. A certain degree of genetic variability was expected because of the species' linkage solely to calcareous soils. These ideas were focused on the water ringlet E. pronoe, a European endemic montane butterfly distributed over a narrow area of mountains, with its occurrence dependent on nutrient plants. Therefore, the origin, occurrence, phylogeography and variability are described in defined mountain localities in Europe in the light of glaciation events that occurred during the Quaternary (Pleistocene) period. The species' phylogeography is based on a combination of two mitochondrial genes (COI, CR) and morphology (wing morphometry). The study comprised samples from the Western Carpathians, Pyrenees, Alps, South-Eastern Carpathians (Romania) and Southern Limestone Alps (Slovenia). Moreover, the species' remarkable phylogeographic structure was observed, including four morphologic lineages and divergent genetic lineages. These lineages cover the Carpathian Mountains as well as the Western European mountains (Spanish populations) with no apparent gene flow between most regions, even across distances of only hundreds of kilometres.