Differences in genetic variability between two ecotypes of the endangered myrmecophilous butterfly Phengaris (=Maculinea) alcon– the setting of conservation priorities

摘要: .  1. The endangered butterfly Phengaris alcon exists in two ecotypes (P. ‘alcon’ and P. ‘rebeli’), which inhabit contrasting biotopes (wet warm/dry grasslands respectively) use different larval food plants. The initially flower-bud-feeding caterpillars complete their development as social parasites of Myrmica ants, the specificity these relationships shows geographical variation. 2. We studied genetic structure 16 populations (365 individuals) both eastern Europe, sampling P. ‘rebeli’ disjunct areas Lithuania southern Poland, P. ‘alcon’ on Polish localities between them. We analysed cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene, EF1-α nuclear gene five polymorphic microsatellite loci. 3. All individuals shared an identical COI haplotype, we hypothesise may be linked to a selective sweep associated with presence Wolbachia B strain all populations. 4. For markers, did not find clear pattern reflecting division into putative ecotypes. However, differed significantly variability, i.e., ecotype was less polymorphic, its were much more differentiated (FST: 0.632 for 0.504 microsatellites) than (0.177 0.082, respectively). 5. Our data suggest that form single clade but P ‘rebeli’ can split either six or clades. former model would indicate many independent origins, especially mountainous Poland. latter, mutually exclusive, grouping clearly reflects host ants.