Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation of the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus, and the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae.
We analyzed a portion of mitochondrial COI gene sequences (658 bp) to investigate the genetic diversity and geographic variation of the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), and the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Papilio xuthus showed a moderate level of sequence divergence (0.91% at maximum) in 15 haplotypes, whereas Pi. rapae showed a moderate to high level of sequence divergence (1.67% at maximum) in 30 haplotypes, compared with other relevant studies. Analyses of population genetic structure showed that most populations are not genetically differentiated in both species. The distribution pattern of both species appears to be consistent with category IV of the phylogeographic pattern sensu Avise: a phylogenetic continuity, an absence of regional isolation of mtDNA clones, and extensive distribution of close clones. The observed pattern of genetic diversity and geographic variation of the two butterfly species seem to reflect the abundant habitats, abundant host plants, and flying abilities in connection with the lack of historical biogeographic barriers.
Jeong
Heon Cheon
HC
Department of Biological Science, Andong National University, Andong, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Jung A
JA
Im
Hyun Hwak
HH
Jeong
Hyung Uk
HU
Hong
Mee Yeon
MY
Lee
Jong Eun
JE
Han
Yeon Soo
YS
Kim
Iksoo
I
D000818:Animals; D002080:Butterflies / Q000235:genetics*; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005828:Genetics, Population; D007723:Korea; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial