Martina Šašić

Wolbachia Infections Mimic Cryptic Speciation in Two Parasitic Butterfly Species, Phengaris teleius and P. nausithous (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Deep mitochondrial divergence within species may result from cryptic speciation, from phylogeographic isolation or from endosymbiotic bacteria like Wolbachia that manipulate host reproduction. Phengaris butterflies are social parasites that spend most of their life in close relationship with ants. Previously, cryptic speciation has been hypothesised for two Phengaris species based on divergent mtDNA sequences. Since Phengaris species are highly endangered, the existence of cryptic species would have drastic consequences for conservation and management. We tested for cryptic speciation and alternative scenarios in P. teleius and P. nausithous based on a comprehensive sample across their Palaearctic ranges using COI gene sequences, nuclear microsatellites and tests for Wolbachia. In both species a deep mitochondrial split occurring 0.65–1.97 myrs ago was observed that did not correspond with microsatellite data but was concordant with Wolbachia infection. Haplotypes previously attributed to cryptic species were part of the Wolbachia-infected clades. In both species remaining phylogeographic structure was largely consistent between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. In P. teleius several mitochondrial and nuclear groups were observed in East Asia while a single haplogroup and nuclear cluster prevailed across continental Eurasia. Neutrality tests suggested rapid demographic expansion into that area. In contrast, P. nausithous had several mitochondrial and nuclear groups in Europe, suggesting a complex phylogeographic history in the western part of the species range. We conclude that deep intraspecific divergences found in DNA barcode studies do not necessarily need to represent cryptic speciation but instead can be due to both infection by Wolbachia and phylogeographic structure.

Molecular data do not confirm the Grecian anomalous blue Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) as a member of the Croatian fauna

The presence of the Grecian anomalous blue, Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) in Croatia has been recently published based on external morphology of collected specimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the credibility of these findings by using DNA barcoding approach as the species exhibit phenotypic variability and can easily be misidentified with morphologically similar species Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) ripartii. Therefore, we performed a molecular analysis of the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of the samples previously published as P. aroaniensis from different localities in Croatia. The results showed that all analysed samples belong to P. ripartii. Additionally, all analysed samples from different Croatian localities (Mt. Mala Kapela, Mt. Lička Plješivica, Mt. Poštak, Mt. Troglav and Mt. Kamešnica) together with previously published population of P. ripartii from Mt. Mosor belong to the same Eurasian clade of P. ripartii.

New findings of the butterfly Phengaris teleius at the border between Hungary and Serbia (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae).

Abstract Background Due to its interesting life cycle, vulnerability and conservation importance, the butterfly Phengaris teleius is one of the most studied insects in Europe. It was discovered in Serbia only in 2012 and there were no data on its distribution from the south of Hungary. New information Phengaris teleius was recorded for the first time in four localities in Hungary and in additional locality in Serbia. This suggests that the local populations are more interconnected than previousely thought and that conservation efforts should be done in collaboration between the two countries. All localities are inside protected areas and management measures for preserving several target species already exist. This represents a solid base for the conservation of newly discovered populations of P. teleius.

Contribution to the knowledge of the butterfly fauna (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of Hrvatsko zagorje, Croatia

During a nine-year survey of the Hrvatsko zagorje region carried out from 2008 until 2016 we recorded 112 butterfly species. Records were supplemented with seven species known only from literature data, which amounted to 119 species representing 60 % of the Croatian butterfly fauna. The highest butterfly diversity was registered on the mountains Ivanščica and Strahinjščica and along the Sutla River valley. Several rare and endangered species were recorded in the region, mostly grassland specialists such as Phengaris teleius, Ph. alcon rebeli, Polyommatus thersites, Euphydryas aurinia and Zerynthia polyxena whose habitats are declining due to changes in the use of grasslands like abandonment or, less frequently, intensification. The population of Lycaena dispar is still locally numerous, but its habitats are now rapidly overgrown with invasive alien plants. The butterfly diversity of Hrvatsko zagorje is high in comparison with the neighbouring region of Haloze in Slovenia. In order to maintain the high butterfly diversity in the region, grasslands and forest edges in the region are in a need of conservation actions and revitalization.

Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera) in the Lepidoptera collections of the Croatian Natural History Museum

We examined 581 specimens from the family Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera) from the Balkans and the surrounding area (Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia) in the collections of Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb. Almost all species occurring in Croatia are represented in the collections of the Croatian Natural History Museum. Despite the small number of specimens stored in this museum Zygaenidae of Croatia are well studied comparing with other countries of the Balkan Peninsula.