Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacopo D'Ercole, Vlad Dinca, Paul A. Opler, Norbert Kondla, Christian Schmidt, Jarrett D. Phillips, Robert Robbins, John M. Burns, Scott E. Miller, Nick Grishin, Evgeny Zakharov, Jeremy R. DeWaard, Sujeevan Ratnasingham, Paul D. N. Hebert
Summary: This study established a DNA barcode reference library for North American butterflies and identified patterns of sequence variation that suggest the need for further taxonomic study and assessment of cryptic diversity. Most species were monophyletic, but some shared barcodes, particularly in regions affected by glacial periods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lu Gong, Danchun Zhang, Xiaoxia Ding, Juan Huang, Wan Guan, Xiaohui Qiu, Zhihai Huang
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic diversity and structures of Amomum villosum populations in Guangdong, revealing high genetic diversity but weak gene flow among populations. Genetic differentiation was evident among the A. villosum populations, with more genetic variations existing within each population.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Danielle Botha, Morne du Plessis, Frances Siebert, Sandra Barnard
Summary: The purpose of this study was to build DNA barcode sequence reference databases for plant species that are potential herbivore foraging targets in semi-arid savannas of eastern South Africa. The researchers collected and mined species sequences from GenBank and BOLD databases to ensure accurate taxonomic coverage and resolution. The final rbcL and trnL datasets contained sequences representing multiple genera and species, which should be used together to identify plants in the semi-arid eastern savannas of South Africa.
Article
Ecology
Yanlei Liu, Chao Xu, Yuzhe Sun, Xun Chen, Wenpan Dong, Xueying Yang, Shiliang Zhou
Summary: DNA barcoding is crucial in plant species identification, but challenges exist in establishing a reference database with high species coverage. However, utilizing Illumina Hiseq 2500 PE250 run, the Cotu method, and high-throughput machines can reduce costs and labor investments for DNA barcoding, potentially leading to the construction of a global reference library in a few years.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mario Alejandro Marin, Andres Lopez-Rubio, Alejandra Clavijo, Tomasz Wilhelm Pyrcz, Andre Victor Lucci Freitas, Sandra Ines Uribe, Carlos Federico Alvarez
Summary: This study analyzed high Andean butterflies using DNA barcoding, discovering sixteen potential cryptic species, representing a net richness increase of 11.3% in the assemblage. The genus Vanessa showed higher genetic differentiation at the local level. The research was useful in identifying potential cryptic species in two butterfly complexes along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Claudia Bruschini, Eric D. Edwards, Gerard Talavera, Varea D. Vaurasi, Galumalemana F. Latu, Leonardo Dapporto
Summary: This study investigated the butterfly fauna in the Samoan Archipelago and identified evolutionary significant units (ESUs) using COI barcode sequences. The ESUs in Samoan islands showed high levels of endemism and congruence with established taxonomy. The mechanisms of genetic differentiation in temperate butterflies differed between ancient continental lands and geologically young islands like Samoa.
Article
Ecology
Xiao-Long Lin, Kun Jiang, Wen-Bin Liu, Wei Liu, Wen-Jun Bu, Xin-Hua Wang, Lidong Mo
Summary: The study established a global DNA barcode reference library of Rheocricotopus, enhancing accuracy in species identification and revealing new species. Results indicated that temperature and precipitation may influence the distribution of Rheocricotopus species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Yan Lai, Kaiyu Li, Xingyue Liu
Summary: This study established a DNA barcode reference library of Chinese green lacewings, comprising 1,119 barcodes of 25 genera and 197 species. The optimal threshold for species identification was determined to be 1.87% genetic divergence, and the threshold for genetic divergence among genera with biocontrol significance was determined to be 7.77%. Additionally, six new species combinations were proposed using integrative species delimitation. This research provides a methodological reference for molecular delimitation of other insects.
Article
Microbiology
Jose L. Sanz, Nuria Rodriguez, Cristina Escudero, Daniel Carrizo, Ricardo Amils
Summary: A study of subsurface hard-rock cores in the Iberian Pyrite Belt revealed that gases such as H-2, CH4 and CO2 in the deep subsurface have a biological origin, with possible microbial communities identified to be involved in their production. The analysis of carbon isotopic signatures further supported the biological methane production in these environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Denis Copilas-Ciocianu, Tomasz Rewicz, Arthur F. Sands, Dmitry Palatov, Ivan Marin, Kestutis Arbaciauskas, Paul D. N. Hebert, Michal Grabowski, Asta Audzijonyte
Summary: The Ponto-Caspian region is a hotspot for endemic species, with the most diverse group being amphipods. This study used DNA barcoding to classify nearly 60% of known Ponto-Caspian amphipod species and compared the results with morphology-based taxonomy. The findings indicate that DNA barcoding is valuable for clarifying the diversity of Ponto-Caspian amphipods, but further work is needed to resolve taxonomic uncertainties.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Peter Huemer, Christian Wieser
Summary: This study conducted a molecular-based inventory of the insect order Lepidoptera in a protected area in the Alps. They successfully sequenced 1213 morphospecies, discovered new cryptic species, and recorded 16 new species for Italy.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiao-Long Lin, Lidong Mo, Wen-Jun Bu, Xin-Hua Wang
Summary: This study analyzed DNA barcodes of Tanytarsus non-biting midges in mainland China to identify potential new species and uncover cryptic species. A comprehensive DNA barcode reference library can facilitate accurate species delimitation and discovery, enhancing the application of eDNA metabarcoding in biomonitoring of freshwater ecosystems.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Manuela Mejia-Estrada, Luz Fernanda Jimenez-Segura, Marcela Hernandez-Zapata, Ivan D. Soto Calderon
Summary: The Barcode of Life initiative was motivated by the need to overcome taxonomic difficulties and the limited number of expert taxonomists. This study contributes to the knowledge of DNA barcodes and occurrence records of Colombian freshwater fishes, with new species being identified and genetic diversity being better understood. The deposited specimens and their DNA barcodes are publicly available for further research and the geographical distribution dataset is accessible through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ricardo Amils, Cristina Escudero, Monike Oggerin, Fernando Puente Sanchez, Alejandro Arce Rodriguez, David Fernandez Remolar, Nuria Rodriguez, Miriam Garcia Villadangos, Jose Luis Sanz, Carlos Briones, Monica Sanchez-Roman, Felipe Gomez, Tania Leandro, Mercedes Moreno-Paz, Olga Prieto-Ballesteros, Antonio Molina, Fernando Tornos, Irene Sanchez-Andrea, Kenneth Timmis, Dietmar H. Pieper, Victor Parro
Summary: Microbial activity plays a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles of planet Earth. A study on the deep subsurface microbiome of the Iberian Pyrite Belt revealed unexpected diversity and novel activities such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation and anaerobic methane oxidation. Various complementary metabolic activities were found, and genomic analysis identified genes involved in key biogeochemical cycles.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
R. Mintara, P. Pramual
Summary: The study used mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase I (COI) to examine the genetic structure and diversity of Culicoides peregrinus in northeastern Thailand. The research revealed high intraspecific genetic divergence within Thai specimens and a high level of genetic structure among populations. The genetic relationships between Thai C. peregrinus and those from other countries suggested the presence of three genetically divergent lineages associated with geographic origins.
TROPICAL BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurora Garcia-Berro, Venkat Talla, Roger Vila, Hong Kar Wai, Daria Shipilina, Kok Gan Chan, Naomi E. Pierce, Niclas Backstrom, Gerard Talavera
Summary: This study investigates the heterozygosity and population size dynamics of migratory insects using genomic data. The findings show that migratory species have higher levels of genome-wide heterozygosity than nonmigratory species. The study also reveals that migratory Lepidoptera maintain overall genetic diversity and demographic stability despite the risks associated with migration and local environmental fluctuations.
Article
Plant Sciences
Vazrick Nazari, Vladimir A. Lukhtanov, Alireza Naderi, Zdenek Faltynek Fric, Vlad Dinca, Roger Vila
Summary: A new subspecies of Leptidea sinapis, named Leptidea sinapis tabarestana ssp. nov., was discovered in Northern Iran using DNA barcoding. This subspecies is geographically isolated from other L. sinapis populations and shows genetic distinctiveness, being a well-supported sister clade to all other populations in COI-based phylogenetic reconstructions. The study provides detailed information on karyotype, genitalia, ecology, and behavior, and proposes a biogeographical speciation scenario.
COMPARATIVE CYTOGENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleix Palahi i Torres, Lars Hook, Karin Nasvall, Daria Shipilina, Christer Wiklund, Roger Vila, Peter Pruisscher, Niclas Backstrom
Summary: This study provides important insights into the variation of recombination rate in wood white butterflies, which has global implications. The findings reveal a bimodal recombination landscape in larger chromosomes, potentially due to interference between simultaneous chiasmata. The analysis also shows that the recombination rate is significantly lower in subtelomeric regions, with exceptions related to chromosome rearrangements.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
H. Romo, E. Garcia-Barros, R. J. Wilson, R. G. Mateo, M. L. Munguira
Summary: Mountain-restricted species may be at risk due to global warming, but local topographic variation and conservation actions can help protect them. Species distribution models and protected area networks can be used to prioritize conservation efforts.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Mattia Menchetti, Enrico Schifani, Antonio Alicata, Roger Vila
Summary: Lasius maltaeus Seifert, 2020 was described as a Maltese endemic ant based on morphology, but further research shows that it has a wider distribution in Sicily. It was also discovered that the populations of L. emarginatus in Sicily have diverged genetically. The distribution patterns of L. emarginatus and L. maltaeus in Sicily reflect the island's complex paleogeographic history.
JOURNAL OF HYMENOPTERA RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Mackintosh, Roger Vila, Dominik R. Laetsch, Alex Hayward, Simon H. Martin, Konrad Lohse
Summary: Chromosome rearrangements play a role in promoting reproductive isolation between fritillary butterflies. This study investigates the speciation of Brenthis daphne and Brenthis ino and identifies nine chromosome fissions and fusions. The results show that these rearrangements have reduced gene flow and directly contribute to reproductive isolation.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jesper Boman, Yishu Zhu, Lars Hook, Roger Vila, Gerard Talavera, Niclas Backstrom
Summary: Seasonal environmental fluctuations pose challenges for small ectotherms like butterflies. This study explores the impact of competition and host plant availability on the DNA methylation patterns in migratory butterflies. The findings provide insights into the interplay between DNA methylation and gene expression in butterflies and their response to environmental conditions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gerard Talavera, Aurora Garcia-Berro, Valery N. K. Talla, Ivy Ng'iru, Farid Bahleman, Khadim Kebe, Kelvin M. Nzala, Dulce Plasencia, Mohammad A. J. Marafi, Abeje Kassie, Eude O. A. Goudegnon, Martial Kiki, Dubi Benyamini, Megan S. Reich, Roger Lopez-Manas, Fulvia Benetello, Steve C. Collins, Clement P. Bataille, Naomi E. Pierce, Dino J. Martins, Tomasz Suchan, Mattia Menchetti, Roger Vila
Summary: Migratory insects play important roles in ecosystem functioning and services, but knowledge about their distributions is often limited. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) can be used to predict seasonal distributions, but field data is needed for validation. In this study, we assessed the predictions made by ENM for the painted lady butterfly migration between Europe and Africa using extensive field surveys and two-year monitoring in six countries. The field observations matched the ENM predictions and we discovered new breeding locations, phenological information, and host plant use. With the updated data, we built a refined ENM for the Palearctic-African range of the butterfly. This study confirms the importance of the Afrotropical region and provides missing natural history information for the longest migratory cycle described in butterflies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Claudia Bruschini, Eric D. Edwards, Gerard Talavera, Varea D. Vaurasi, Galumalemana F. Latu, Leonardo Dapporto
Summary: This study investigated the butterfly fauna in the Samoan Archipelago and identified evolutionary significant units (ESUs) using COI barcode sequences. The ESUs in Samoan islands showed high levels of endemism and congruence with established taxonomy. The mechanisms of genetic differentiation in temperate butterflies differed between ancient continental lands and geologically young islands like Samoa.
Article
Ecology
Marianne Espeland, Nicolas Chazot, Fabien L. L. Condamine, Alan R. R. Lemmon, Emily Moriarty Lemmon, Ernest Pringle, Alan Heath, Steve Collins, Wilson Tiren, Martha Mutiso, David C. C. Lees, Stewart Fisher, Raymond Murphy, Stephen Woodhall, Robert Tropek, Svenja S. S. Ahlborn, Kevin Cockburn, Jeremy Dobson, Thierry Bouyer, Zofia A. A. Kaliszewska, Christopher C. M. Baker, Gerard Talavera, Roger Vila, Alan J. J. Gardiner, Mark Williams, Dino J. J. Martins, Szabolcs Safian, David A. A. Edge, Naomi E. E. Pierce
Summary: Africa underwent aridification over the past 20 million years, which may have influenced organisms and led to the evolution of life history adaptations. We tested the hypothesis that the adoption of living in ant nests and feeding on ant brood by phyto-predaceous larvae of Lepidochrysops butterflies was an adaptive response to the aridification of Africa, and this facilitated the radiation of butterflies in this genus. Our findings support the hypothesis that aridification during the emergence of Miombo woodlands selected for a phyto-predaceous life history in Lepidochrysops species, with ant nests providing caterpillars a safe refuge from fire and a food source when vegetation was scarce.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Akito Y. Kawahara, Caroline Storer, Ana Paula S. Carvalho, David M. Plotkin, Fabien L. Condamine, Mariana P. Braga, Emily A. Ellis, Ryan A. St Laurent, Xuankun Li, Vijay Barve, Liming Cai, Chandra Earl, Paul B. Frandsen, Hannah L. Owens, Wendy A. Valencia-Montoya, Kwaku Aduse-Poku, Emmanuel F. A. Toussaint, Kelly M. Dexter, Tenzing Doleck, Amanda Markee, Rebeccah Messcher, Y-Lan Nguyen, Jade Aster T. Badon, Hugo A. Benitez, Michael F. Braby, Perry A. C. Buenavente, Wei-Ping Chan, Steve C. Collins, Richard A. Rabideau Childers, Even Dankowicz, Rod Eastwood, Zdenek F. Fric, Riley J. Gott, Jason P. W. Hall, Winnie Hallwachs, Nate B. Hardy, Rachel L. Hawkins Sipe, Alan Heath, Jomar D. Hinolan, Nicholas T. Homziak, Yu-Feng Hsu, Yutaka Inayoshi, Micael G. A. Itliong, Daniel H. Janzen, Ian J. Kitching, Krushnamegh Kunte, Gerardo Lamas, Michael J. Landis, Elise A. Larsen, Torben B. Larsen, Jing V. Leong, Vladimir Lukhtanov, Crystal A. Maier, Jose I. Martinez, Dino J. Martins, Kiyoshi Maruyama, Sarah C. Maunsell, Nicolas Oliveira Mega, Alexander Monastyrskii, Ana B. B. Morais, Chris J. Mueller, Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Gregory Nielsen, Pablo Sebastian Padron, Djunijanti Peggie, Helena Piccoli Romanowski, Szabolcs Safian, Motoki Saito, Stefan Schroeder, Vaughn Shirey, Doug Soltis, Pamela Soltis, Andrei Sourakov, Gerard Talavera, Roger Vila, Petr Vlasanek, Houshuai Wang, Andrew D. Warren, Keith R. Willmott, Masaya Yago, Walter Jetz, Marta A. Jarzyna, Jesse W. Breinholt, Marianne Espeland, Leslie Ries, Robert P. Guralnick, Naomi E. Pierce, David J. Lohman
Summary: Butterflies are believed to have evolved alongside plants and dispersed globally in response to geological events, according to a new comprehensive phylogenetic study. The study sequenced genes from nearly 2,300 butterfly species and reconstructed a phylogenomic tree representing 92% of all genera, resulting in the reclassification of 36 butterfly tribes. The research also revealed that butterflies first fed on Fabaceae plants and originated in the Americas.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Mackintosh, Roger Vila, Simon H. Martin, Derek Setter, Konrad Lohse
Summary: Large-scale chromosome rearrangements, such as fissions and fusions, have been studied in three closely related Brenthis butterfly species. The results suggest that rearrangements are likely fixed in populations with large effective size, possibly due to being selectively neutral or weakly underdominant. While most rearrangements are fixed by genetic drift, one chromosome fusion shows evidence of recent positive natural selection.
Article
Ecology
Jacopo D'Ercole, Roger Vila, Leonardo Dapporto, Mikko Pentinsaari, Gerard Talavera, Vlad Dinca, Paul D. N. Hebert
Summary: This study examined mitochondrial DNA sequence variation in introduced insect species and found that genetic variation is significantly lower in introduced populations compared to native populations. The study suggests that these genetic patterns are likely a result of general processes. Understanding the molecular evolution of introduced species is crucial for managing their impact on ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)