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Dryad

Data for: The central Alps comprise a major dispersal barrier between western and eastern populations of two butterfly species

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Dec 11, 2022 version files 18.24 KB

Abstract

Aim: Environmental and species-specific factors shape spatial patterns in genetic diversity and population structure. Comparing different species within the same area helps to disentangle more general from species-specific factors affecting such geographic patterns. Here, we examined genetic diversity and population structuring through geographic features in two alpine butterfly species.

Location: European Alps.

Taxon: Copper butterflies (Lycaena spp.).

Methods: We sampled 21 Lycaena hippothoe and 14 L. virgaureae populations with 18 individuals per population. We analysed the genetic diversity and structure of these populations by using 14 and nine microsatellite markers for L. hippothoe and L. virgaureae , respectively.

Results: We found higher number of alleles, allelic richness, observed heterozygosity, FST values  and more genetic clusters in L. hippothoe than in L. virgaureae. Both species displayed a major genetic barrier in the central Alps. Western and eastern L. hippothoe populations but central L. virgaureae populations showed the highest genetic diversity.

Main Conclusions: The population genetic structures of both Copper butterflies seemed to be strongly affected by population history and demography. Patterns indicate for both species a western and an eastern glacial refuge. The high genetic diversity and pronounced population structure found in L. hippothoe seems to be related to a low dispersal ability and closed populations with high local abundances as opposed to L. virgaureae. The higher dispersal of the latter likely caused hybridisation in the central alpine contact zone boosting genetic diversity, which was not the case in L. hippothoe. These findings suggest that different conservation strategies are needed for these closely related species.