Bereczki et al. (2013) Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research

Bereczki, J., Tóth, J. P., Sramkó, G. and Varga, Z. (2013): Multilevel studies on the two phenological forms of Large Blue (Maculinea arion) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12034

Abstract
The main goal of our research was to study comprehensively the differences between the two phenological forms of the socially parasitic and globally threatened Large Blue (Maculinea arion) in the Carpathian Basin using four character sets (mitochondrial sequences, allozymes, male genitalia and wing morphometrics). Comparative analyses of distance matrices, phylogenetic trees and ordination patterns have been applied. The genetic and morphometric patterns revealed by our studies were discordant. While we experienced a significant differentiation between the ‘spring’ and ‘summer type’ of M. arion in both wing and genital traits, the two phenological forms did not show any genetic differentiation on two mitochondrial loci and in allozymes. At the same time, all individuals were infected by Wolbachia. Although certain wing traits may not represent reliable tracers of phylogeny because of the particular adaptive significance, the wing characteristics involved in our research are probably determined genetically. Additionally, the significant differentiation of male genitalia also indicates incipient prezygotic isolation arising from phenological differentiation between the ‘spring and summer arion’. It is possible that all extant differences between the two forms are attributable to (1) different host-ant use, (2) incipient speciation, (3) cytoplasmatic incompatibility (CI) by Wolbachia or the combination of these factors. In addition, discordant results indicate that the combined use of different approaches and data sets is strictly necessary to clarify systematic and evolutionary relationships.

Keywords
Spring and summer arion, mtDNA variability, Wolbachia, geometric morphometry, Carpathian Basin

Loreto et al. (2013) Global Ecology and Biogeography

Loreto, F., Bagnoli, F., Calfapietra, C., Cafasso, D., De Lillis, M., Filibeck, G., Fineschi, S., Guidolotti, G., Sramkó, G., Tökölyi, J. and Ricotta, C. (2013): Isoprenoid emission in hygrophyte and xerophyte European woody flora: ecological and evolutionary implications. Global Ecology and Biogeography doi: 10.1111/geb.12124

Abstract
Aim
The relationship between isoprenoid emission and hygrophily was investigated in woody plants of the Italian flora, which is representative of European diversity.
Methods
Volatile isoprenoids (isoprene and monoterpenes) were measured, or data collected from the literature, for 154 species native or endemic to the Mediterranean. The Ellenberg indicator value for moisture (EIVM) was used to describe plant hygrophily. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out at a broader taxonomic scale on 128 species, and then refined on strong isoprene emitters (Salix and Populus species) based on isoprene synthase gene sequences (IspS).
Results
Isoprene emitters were significantly more common and isoprene emission was higher in hygrophilous EIVM classes, whereas monoterpene emitters were more widespread and monoterpene emission was higher in xeric classes. However, when controlling for phylogeny, isoprene emission was not associated with EIVM, possibly due to the large presence of Salicaceae among hygrophilous isoprene emitters. Moreover, the distribution of isoprene emitters among EIVM classes was not related to IspS-based phylogenesis in Populus and Salix, suggesting that the gene has not undergone evolution linked to ecological pressure. In contrast, the monoterpene emission pattern is independent of phylogeny, suggesting that the evolution of monoterpenes is associated with transitions to more xeric habitats.
Main conclusions
Our results reveal an interesting ecological pattern linking isoprenoids and water availability. We suggest that isoprene is a trait that: (1) evolved in plants adapted to high water availability; (2) is replaced by more effective protection mechanisms, e.g. more stable isoprenoids, in plants adapting to more xeric environments; and (3) being strongly constrained by phylogeny, persists in Salicaceae adapted to more xeric environments.

 

Keywords
Adaptation, chemo-taxonomy, hygrophytes, isoprene, monoterpenes, phylogenies, salicaceae, xerophytes, water stress