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Related Concept Videos

Formation of Species01:31

Formation of Species

Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the parent species, and barriers to reproduction will typically exist. There are two primary mechanisms, speciation with and without geographic isolation—allopatric and sympatric speciation, respectively.Allopatric SpeciationIn allopatric speciation, gene flow between two populations of the same species is prevented by a geographic barrier, like...
Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.
Genetics of Speciation02:16

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.The genetics of speciation involves the different traits or isolating mechanisms preventing gene exchange, leading to reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation can be due to reproductive barriers that have effects either before or after the formation of a zygote. Pre-zygotic mechanisms prevent fertilization from occurring, and post-zygotic mechanisms...
Hybrid Zones02:29

Hybrid Zones

Hybrid zones are narrow regions where two closely related species interact, mate, and produce hybrids. Relative to either parent species, hybrids may possess distinct phenotypic or genetic differences that impact their survival and reproductive success. The genetic variances introduced by hybridization influence species diversity and speciation processes within the hybrid zone.Gene flow and natural selection are evolutionary mechanisms that shape the outcome of a hybrid zone. Gene flow...
Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers01:17

Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers

A species is a group of organisms that interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Typically, individuals of the same species appear similar and share common characteristics due to their highly similar genomes. However, not all organisms that look alike are members of the same species. Various mechanisms keep most species discrete. While some mechanisms prevent reproductive behavior and fertilization (pre-zygotic isolation), others prevent the production of fertile offspring after mating has...
Frequency-dependent Selection01:21

Frequency-dependent Selection

When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.Positive Frequency-Dependent SelectionIn positive...

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Second-chance speciation in the Clouded Apollo butterfly.

Josep Lancho-Silva1, Loukia Spilani1, Valéria Marques2

  • 1Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, CSIC, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain.

Current Biology : CB
|July 15, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Two cryptic species of Clouded Apollo butterflies (Parnassius mnemosyne) have been identified in Europe. Their past admixture and current reproductive isolation provide insights into speciation processes.

Keywords:
butterflycryptic speciescuticular hydrocarbonsgenomicsglacial cyclesreinforcementspeciation

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Speciation Genomics
  • Conservation Genetics

Background:

  • Contact zones offer insights into speciation and the evolution of reproductive barriers.
  • The evolutionary history and taxonomic status of the Clouded Apollo butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne) in Europe remain debated, with evidence for cryptic species being inconsistent.
  • Understanding reproductive isolation mechanisms is crucial for species conservation and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate lineage divergence, contact history, and reproductive isolation in the Clouded Apollo butterfly using an integrative approach.
  • To resolve the taxonomic status of Parnassius mnemosyne and Parnassius turatii in the Eastern Alps.
  • To identify the mechanisms driving speciation and reinforcement in contact zones.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an integrative approach combining genomic, chemical, and morphological data.
  • Employed ecological and demographic modeling to reconstruct contact history and infer reproductive isolation.
  • Analyzed genetic data to identify distinct lineages and gene flow patterns.

Main Results:

  • Identified two distinct genetic lineages of Clouded Apollo butterflies that diverged approximately 0.8 million years ago.
  • Documented two episodes of secondary contact, including admixture during the last glaciation in western Europe, forming hybrid populations.
  • Observed no detectable gene flow in the present-day contact zone in the Eastern Alps, with evidence of chemical character displacement suggesting reinforcement.

Conclusions:

  • The Clouded Apollo butterfly comprises two cryptic species, Parnassius mnemosyne and Parnassius turatii.
  • Lineages that previously admixed are now reproductively isolated, demonstrating reinforcement as a driver of speciation.
  • Findings have significant implications for conservation assessments (IUCN) and the implementation of EU legislation for protected species.