A meta-analysis of the traits affecting dispersal ability in butterflies: can wingspan be used as a proxy?

摘要: 1. Dispersal ability of a species is key ecological characteristic, affecting range processes from adaptation, community dynamics and genetic structure, to distribution size. It determined by both intrinsic traits extrinsic landscape-related properties. 2. Using butterflies as model system, the following questions were addressed: (i) given similar factors, which trait(s) explain dispersal ability? (ii) can one these be used proxy for (iii) effect interactions between traits, phylogenetic relatedness, on ability. 3. Four data sets, using different measures dispersal, compiled published literature. The first set uses mean distances capture-mark-recapture studies, other three use mobility indices. Data six that potentially affect collected: wingspan, larval host plant specificity, adult habitat mate location strategy, voltinism flight period duration. Each was subjected unifactorial, multifactorial, phylogenetically controlled analyses. 4. Among factors considered, wingspan most important determinant ability, although predictive powers regression models low. Voltinism duration also especially in case temperate species. Interactions did not relatedness significant set. 5. While only maybe problematic, it usually easily accessible species-specific trait large number thus satisfactory when carefully interpreted, analyses involving many all across world.