Parnassius Mnemosyne Research Articles

An Empirical Test of a Diffusion Model: Predicting Clouded Apollo Movements in a Novel Environment

Functional connectivity is a fundamental concept in conservation biology because it sets the level of migration and gene flow among local populations. However, functional connectivity is difficult to measure, largely because it is hard to acquire and analyze movement data from heterogeneous landscapes. Here we apply a Bayesian state‐space framework to parameterize a diffusion‐based movement model using capture‐recapture data on the endangered clouded apollo butterfly. We test whether the model is able to disentangle the inherent movement behavior of the species from landscape structure and sampling artifacts, which is a necessity if the model is to be used to examine how movements depend on landscape structure. We show that this is the case by demonstrating that the model, parameterized with data from a reference landscape, correctly predicts movements in a structurally different landscape. In particular, the model helps to explain why a movement corridor that was constructed as a management measure failed to increase movement among local populations. We illustrate how the parameterized model can be used to derive biologically relevant measures of functional connectivity, thus linking movement data with models of spatial population dynamics.

The importance of biotic interactions for modelling species distributions under climate change

ABSTRACTAim There is a debate as to whether biotic interactions exert a dominant role in governing species distributions at macroecological scales. The prevailing idea is that climate is the key limiting factor; thus models that use present‐day climate–species range relationships are expected to provide reasonable means to quantify the impacts of climate change on species distributions. However, there is little empirical evidence that biotic interactions would not constrain species distributions at macroecological scales. We examine this idea, for the first time, and provide tests for two null hypotheses: (H0 1) – biotic interactions do not exert a significant role in explaining current distributions of a particular species of butterfly (clouded Apollo, Parnassius mnemosyne) in Europe; and (H0 2) – biotic interactions do not exert a significant role in predictions of altered species’ ranges under climate change.Location Europe.Methods Generalized additive modelling (GAM) was used to investigate relationships between species and climate; species and host plants; and species and climate + host plants. Because models are sensitive to the variable selection strategies utilised, four alternative approaches were used: AIC (Akaike's Information Criterion), BIC (Bayesian Information Criterion), BRUTO (Adaptive Backfitting), and CROSS (Cross Selection).Results In spite of the variation in the variables selected with different methods, both hypotheses (H0 1 and H0 2) were falsified, providing support for the proposition that biotic interactions significantly affect both the explanatory and predictive power of bioclimatic envelope models at macro scales.Main conclusions Our results contradict the widely held view that the effects of biotic interactions on individual species distributions are not discernible at macroecological scales. Results are contingent on the species, type of interaction and methods considered, but they call for more stringent evidence in support of the idea that purely climate‐based modelling would be sufficient to quantify the impacts of climate change on species distributions.

Dispersal kernels of butterflies: Power-law functions are invariant to marking frequency

Summary Despite recent developments of sophisticated dispersal modelling, simple regression-based models remain useful for estimating frequencies of long-distance movements of animals. Since the inverse power function, IPF (ln I=ln C−m ln D), but not the negative exponential function, NEF (ln I=ln a−k D), exhibits the property of self-similarity, it should be robust against variation in effort invested into mark-recapture studies. We illustrate this using three data sets on movements of butterflies (Lepidoptera): Euphydryas aurinia, year 2002 (better fitted by IPF), E. aurinia, year 2003 (better fitted by NEF) and Parnassius mnemosyne (better fitted by NEF). By simulated reductions of numbers of animals, numbers of marking days, and marking effort, we show that IPF withstands severe decline in marking frequency without a change of parameters of regressions based on reduced data. In contrast, parameters of NEFs fitted to the reduced data widely varied and differed from functions based on unreduced data. Owing to the robust performance of IPF, reliable dispersal estimates may be obtained at relatively small field effort, which may facilitate quick and efficient comparisons of movement patterns among species, locations and populations.

Modelling the spatial distribution of a threatened butterfly: Impacts of scale and statistical technique

This paper compares the performance of five modelling methods in the prediction of a species distribution, using a data set describing the distribution of the threatened clouded apollo butterfly ( Parnassius mnemosyne) in south-west Finland. The five statistical techniques included were: generalized linear models (GLM), generalized additive models (GAM), classification tree analysis (CTA), neural networks (ANN) and multiple adaptive regression splines (MARS). The accuracy of the models was examined at three spatial resolutions (1, 25 and 100 ha) by area under the curve (AUC) and kappa statistics. All five modelling techniques had a relatively high discrimination capacity for the occurrence of clouded apollo. Classification tree analysis provided the least robust model performance. The differences between the other methods were small, although GAM and MARS provided marginally the best stability and performance. The most accurate models were developed for the resolutions of 1 ha (highest AUC values) and 25 ha (highest kappa values) and the least accurate models for the resolution of 100 ha. Our work shows that modern modelling techniques can provide useful forecasts of species distributions in unsurveyed parts of landscapes and provide valuable contributions to conservation and management planning. However, the success of applying the new modelling tools can be influenced by the choice of statistical technique and especially of spatial resolution. In conclusion, small changes in the spatial scale may result in a clear decrease in the model performance and thus caution should be exercised when implementing the models and their predictions in practice.

Effects of canopy coverage on the immature stages of the Clouded Apollo butterfly [<i>Parnassius mnemosyne</i> (L.)] with observations on larval behaviour

The immature stages of the Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne) are assumed to be thermophilic due to the possible time limitations and variable weather conditions during their development. Thus, the degree of canopy coverage may affect habitat use by the species. We explored the spatial distribution of larvae and the development time of pupae under variable canopy coverage conditions. Larvae were most abundant in the areas exposed to direct sunlight, although the last instar larvae are mobile. Larvae also basked under litter between their for aging periods, probably to enhance digestion and the food intake rate. Moreover, pupal developmentwas retarded by increasing canopy coverage. Prolonged pupal development and larval avoidance of Corydalis growths under tree canopies indicate that the species suffers from overgrowing and consequently increasing canopy coverage.

Riparian buffer zones as elements of ecological networks: Case study on Parnassius mnemosyne distribution in Estonia

Territorial ecological networks (in US and some other countries known as greenways) are coherent assemblages of areas representing the natural and semi-natural landscape elements that need to be conserved, managed or, where appropriate, enriched or restored in order to ensure the favourable conservation status of the ecosystems, habitats, species and landscapes across their traditional range. An ecologically compensating areas network is a hierarchical system with the following levels: (1) core areas, (2) buffer zones of core areas, (3) corridors and stepping stones, and (4) nature development and/or restoration areas that support resources, habitats and species. Rivers form natural ecological networks and riparian buffer zones of rivers are typical elements of ecological networks. We studied the distribution of Clouded Apollo ( Parnassius mnemosyne) and its habitat requirements in Estonia. Seventy-eight percent of all Clouded Apollo observations were recorded in riparian meadows along the banks of rivers with riparian strips consisting of bushes and trees. Detailed study showed that the butterfly is in most cases associated with meadows with a riparian strip of alder. This is the habitat of the food plant (fumeworth— Corydalis solida) of the larvae, the feeding and mating place of adults, and the migration and hiding site for the Clouded Apollo. The population area and number of individuals have been increasing during the last years, and a new growing South-Estonian sub-population of Clouded Apollo has also been discovered in Estonia.

Biomonitoring of the butterfly fauna in the Drava region (Lepidoptera: Diurna)

At the beginning of 2000 a biomonitoring research work started along the River Drava in Hungary. The aim of this investigation is to give information on the Hungarian biomonitoring network and up-to-date information on those environmental impacts that will also be spreading to the Drava region of Hungary, if a dam is built at Novo Virje in Croatia. A transect line estimation on the relative populations of Apatura metis, Lycaena dispar, Maculinea teleius, Maculinea nausithous, Parnassius mnemosyne, Euphydryas maturna was carried out. In this five-year period the results showed the natural fluctuation and the variability of the surveyed populations.

Oviposition site preferences of the threatened butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne ? implications for conservation

Recent studies on the threatened clouded apollo butterfly, Parnassius mnemosyne, have identified suitable habitats on a large scale. More detailed knowledge on specific habitat requirements of ovipositing females is still needed. Some earlier observations suggest that females just drop their eggs without discrimination. This study suggests that females can be rather choosy in their oviposition site selection and that they actively search for oviposition sites with suitable vegetation structure. By identifying factors influencing female oviposition, such as distance to shrub, valuable knowledge is generated for restoration plans considered in the study area. This stresses the importance of proper management of extant habitats in order to prevent local extinctions of P. mnemosyne and it also highlights the need for data on specific oviposition requirements in butterfly conservation.

Comparison of Differentiation Pattern at Allozyme and Microsatellite Loci in Parnassius Mnemosyne (Lepidoptera) Populations

A recent review on the use of microsatellites in Lepidoptera has showed that their identification is difficult in this group, which may explain the limited use of these markers in this taxon. In this study on Parnassius mnemosyne, the results obtained for three microsatellite and three allozyme loci are compared. With both categories of markers, (i) deficit of heterozygotes compared with Hardy-Weinberg expectations was found in many populations, and (ii) strong differentiation was observed between regions, contrasting the rather homogeneous gene pools found within regions. The use of dry samples of museum collections in microsatellite analyses enabled us to study changes in allele frequencies over time in a small, isolated population. The results supported our earlier finding with allozymes that the small populations have been subject to strong genetic drift. Since essentially the same results were obtained with the allozyme and microsatellite markers, this study indicates that the potential advantages of microsatellites over allozymes in studies of population structure are counterbalanced in species where only a small number of microsatellite loci are available.

Migration of the clouded Apollo butterflyParnassius mnemosynein a network of suitable habitats – effects of patch characteristics

The clouded ApolloParnassius mnemosyneis a food plant specialist with short but frequent movements between habitat patches. The short average dispersal distances suggest that the probability of colonisation of vacant patches decreases rapidly as the distance between the source and target patches increases, which means that a dense habitat network is needed for the conservation of the species. Both emigration rate and the number of immigrants varied among patches and were not affected only by isolation but also by several other patch characteristics. The model that explained most of the variation in emigration rates among patches included patch area and the number of conspecifics. The area and the population density of the target patch had significant effects on the number of arriving immigrants. Thus, the colonisation of vacant patches is dependent on these patch characteristics. Generally, emigration rates were lower and residence times longer in large patches with many conspecifics. Butterfly density was the most important single factor explaining the variation in the number of immigrants among patches, although the positive effect of the area of the target patch was also significant. As a consequence of the marked positive density dependence caused by conspecific attraction, small patches with higher than average butterfly density, receive more immigrants than could be expected based on the patch area only. Due to conspecific attraction, per capita immigration rates are higher in small than large patches. Thus, immigration may have a more significant effect on the local dynamics of small than large populations.

Modelling butterfly distribution based on remote sensing data

AimWe tested the usefulness of satellite based remote sensing data and geographical information system (GIS) techniques (1) in explaining the observed distribution of the threatened clouded apollo butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne) and (2) in predicting the occurrence of the butterfly in two independent test areas with different landscape structure.LocationThe three study areas are located along the rivers Rekijoki and Halikonjoki in a boreal agricultural landscape in south‐western Finland (60°40′ N; 23°20′ E).MethodsLandsat satellite images were used to generate habitat maps of the three study areas. Topographical variables were calculated from a digital elevation model. These data were used to construct a multiple logistic regression model fitted with the observed occurrence of clouded apollo in 126 grid squares of 0.25 km2 within an area of 31.5 km2 (model building area). The parameterized model was used to predict the occurrence of the butterfly in an adjacent test area with a similar landscape structure as in the model building area, as well as in a more distant test area with a more fragmented pattern of semi‐natural grassland.ResultsIn the model building area probability of clouded apollo occurrence increased with connectivity of semi‐natural grassland, cover of deciduous forest, cover of semi‐natural slope grassland and topographical heterogeneity. The model accuracy was high, the correct classification rate being 98.4% overall and 95.0% for the butterfly presence squares. In both test areas the overall correct classification of the model prediction was high (c. 92%). However, in predicting the actual butterfly presence squares the model succeeded substantially better in the adjacent than in the distant test area (correct classification rates 91.3% and 66.7%, respectively).Main conclusionsThe results showed that the distribution of a habitat specialized butterfly may be quite successfully explained and predicted based on pure satellite imagery and topographical data. Nevertheless, the decrease of accuracy of the model prediction when applied to a different landscape structure than the one in which the model was parameterized suggests that the useful application of such models is limited by the environmental variability of the original model building data.

Determinants of distribution and abundance in the clouded apollo butterfly: a landscape ecological approach

Recent studies on the determinants of distribution and abundance of animals at landscape level have emphasized the usefulness of the metapopulation approach, in which patch area and habitat connectivity have often proved to explain satisfactorily existing patch occupancy patterns. A different approach is needed to study the common situation in which suitable habitat is difficult to determine or does not occur in well‐defined habitat patches. We applied a landscape ecological approach to study the determinants of distribution and abundance of the threatened clouded apollo Parnassius mnemosyne butterfly within an area of 6 km2 of agricultural landscape in south‐western Finland. The relative role of 24 environmental variables potentially affecting the distribution and abundance of the butterfly was studied using a spatial grid system with 2408 grid squares of 0.25 ha, of which 349 were occupied by the clouded apollo. Both the probability of butterfly presence and abundance in a 0.25 ha square increased with the presence of the larval host plant Corydalis solida the cover of semi‐natural grassland, the amount of solar radiation and spalial autocorrelation in butterfly occurrence. Additionally, butterfly abundance increased with overall mean patch size and decreased with maximum slope angle and wind speed. Two advantages of the employment of a spatial grid system included the avoidance of a subjective definition of suitable habitat patches and an evaluation of the relative significance of different components of habitat quality at the same time with habitat availability and connectivity. The large variation in habitat quality was influenced by the abundance of the larval host plant and adult nectar sources but also by climatological. topographical and structural factors. The application of a spatial grid system as used here has potential for a wide use in studies on landscape‐level distribution and abundance patterns in species with complex habitat requirements and habitat availability patterns.

Genetic variations in space and time in Parnassius mnemosyne (L.) (Lepidoptera) populations in north-east Hungary: implications for conservation

The population structure of the clouded Apollo butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne was investigated by mark–release–recapture studies and by allozyme polymorphism in north-east Hungary. Large differences were observed in the estimated sizes of different populations. The results of the genetic analysis suggest that even large populations may have small effective population sizes, due to uneven sex ratio, recent bottlenecks and founder effect. The results of both the genetic and MRR studies indicated that the Bükk populations exist as a metapopulation. However, populations from different geographical regions were highly differentiated, indicating restricted gene flow between them. Loss of genetic variability was observed in a small, isolated population. Practical advice is given on how to manage woodland to maintain genetic diversity; it is concluded that many small clearings made close to existing habitat patches is superior to making fewer, larger clearings.

Population Structure, Behaviour and Selection of Oviposition Sites of an Endangered Butterfly, Parnassius Mnemosyne, in Litovelské Pomoravíl. Czech Republic

A population of Parnassius mnemosyne L., an endangered butterfly species, was studied for two seasons by mark–release–recapture (MRR) techniques in the Litovelske Pomoravi Protected Landscape Area, Czech Republic. There were four distinct colonies in the area; the MRR data indicate that the largest colony contained over 1000 adult males during peak flight in 1996 suggesting that the area harbours one of the largest populations of the species in the Czech Republic. The detected rate of intercolony movements showed that the individual colonies were not genetically isolated, but the interchange of individuals was limited. Capture sex ratio and estimated sex ratios were both consistently male-biased. We suggest that this might be caused by different behaviour of the sexes which renders the males more catchable: the females spent most of their time either egg laying or resting, which makes them inconspicuous compared to the patrolling males. Preferred oviposition sites were open, sunny patches such as forest clearings which may be due to different hostplant quality compared to hostplants under closed canopy. The heliophily of the species and the dependency of females on open oviposition sites render the butterfly vulnerable due to a decline in coppice management and replacement of fine mosaic of sunny and shady patches by even-aged forest stands.

Allozyme variation in Parnassius mnemosyne (L.) (Lepidoptera) populations in North-East Hungary: variation within a subspecies group.

Allozyme polymorphism was studied in 11 Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) populations in North-East Hungary. Significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed in several cases due to heterozygote deficiency. Genetic variability did not display geographical pattern; the level of genetic differentiation was similar between adjacent populations and between populations originating from different geographical regions. Even a completely isolated population was not differentiated markedly from the others. Thus, genetic drift can be expected as the main evolutionary force acting in the populations.

Genetic structure of French populations of the mountain butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Geographical variation in allozyme frequencies among 24 populations of the butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne in southern France was studied by enzyme electrophoresis. Clustering procedures were used to define the geographical organization of genetic variation and an analysis of genetic differentiation was performed to test the degree of potential gene flow between the colonies using the methodologies derived from F-statistics and the private alleles model. Further, an approach using reduced space ordinations (factorial analysis of correspondences and discriminant analysis), was used to allow the visualization of genetically intermediate populations and to determine the roles of individual alleles at various levels of geographical structure. In P. mnemosyne, the effect of both isolation by distance and geographical barriers upon gene flow is complex. Some barriers appear to be very efficient, but others, at least as strong geographically, do not act in such a way. Multivariate analyses underlined the progressive transition between some groups while in other instances, a sharp cut was observed without obvious topographical barriers. Ecogeographical data and historical events (such as colonization processes) should probably be taken into account in order to explain the geographical variation of genetic structure.

Genetic structure of French populations of the mountain butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Geographical variation in allozyme frequencies among 24 populations of the butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne in southern France was studied by enzyme electrophoresis. Clustering procedures were used to define the geographical organization of genetic variation and an analysis of genetic differentiation was performed to test the degree of potential gene flow between the colonies using the methodologies derived from F-statistics and the private alleles model. Further, an approach using reduced space ordinations (factorial analysis of correspondences and discriminant analysis), was used to allow the visualization of genetically intermediate populations and to determine the rôles of individual alleles at various levels of geographical structure. In P. mnemosyne, the effect of both isolation by distance and geographical barriers upon gene flow is complex. Some barriers appear to be very efficient, but others, at least as strong geographically, do not act in such a way. Multivariate analyses underlined the progressive transition between some groups while in other instances, a sharp cut was observed without obvious topographical barriers. Ecogeographical data and historical events (such as colonization processes) should probably be taken into account in order to explain the geographical variation of genetic structure.

Enzyme polymorphism, wing pattern variability, and geographical isolation in an endangered butterfly species

A study of the variation of allozyme genetic diversity and phenotypic diversity of wing pattern was conducted in the endangered montane butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne in southern France. A decrease of gene flow in peripheral isolated colonies was detected by the analysis of electrophoretic data. The same methods disclosed a marked reduction of gene diversity in the same populations, correlated with reduced habitat area and distance to the continuous core of the species' distribution. Wing pattern variability was not affected in the same way: overall variation range did not regularly decrease with isolation, but the shape of the distribution changed. This modification may be interpreted as a loss of phenotype canalization power, resulting from a decrease of diversity at the level of polygenic morphological characters. This overall loss of gene diversity may seriously reduce the ability of peripheral colonies surviving precariously on montane islands to face climate fluctuations in the future.

Morphological variation of Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus) in eastern Fennoscandia (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

AbstractMorphological variation in Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied using 20 measurements of the wing shape, venation and coloration in males and females of eastern Fennoscandian populations. The type specimens were analysed. The results were related to the previous subspecific division proposed by Bryk. The results suggest that the type specimens (nominate ssp.) can be classified together with the populations from southwestern Finland. The populations of the Åland archipelago seem to form a distinctive group (ssp. ugrofennica Bryk), differing from both the nominate subspecies and the Swedish ssp. romani Bryk. The results on the Karelian material agree well with Bryk's classification (ssp. karjala, ssp. poppii). The only Finnish inland population at Somero differs only slightly from other SW Finnish populations. The loss of populations in Finland has not resulted in losses of taxa at a subspecific level.

ON THE STRIDULATION OF THE FEMALES OF PARNASSIUS MNEMOSYNE L.

Proceedings of the Royal Entomological Society of London. Series A, General EntomologyVolume 11, Issue 3-5 p. 66-68 ON THE STRIDULATION OF THE FEMALES OF PARNASSIUS MNEMOSYNE L. B. Jobling F.R.E.S., B. Jobling F.R.E.S.Search for more papers by this author B. Jobling F.R.E.S., B. Jobling F.R.E.S.Search for more papers by this author First published: June 1936 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3032.1936.tb00871.xCitations: 2AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume11, Issue3-5June 1936Pages 66-68 RelatedInformation