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A new ssp of Papilio saharae from Lampedusa

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:53 am
by adamcotton
This paper was published (open access) today:

Cassar, L-F., Catania, A. & A.M. Cotton 2023. A new subspecies of Papilio saharae Oberthür, 1879 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
from Lampedusa, Italy. Zootaxa 5231(1): 65–78.
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5231.1.5

Abstract
An investigation into the only representative of the genus Papilio on the island of Lampedusa, the largest island of the Pelagian group, was conducted as part of a broader Mediterranean-wide study on the machaon complex. Over a three year period, adults, larvae and ova were collected for further research during field visits, while an in-house breeding programme involving wild-collected gravid females was initiated with a view to examine an adequately sized series of specimens. A total of 38 adults, including 23 male specimens, >150 ova, 233 larvae, and 220 pupae were examined. In addition to a thorough morphometric assessment, statistical tests were performed using one-way ANOVA and multivariate analysis. Results demonstrate morphological characters of P. saharae and, to a lesser degree, of P. machaon, suggesting that the taxon is plausibly the outcome of a hybrid swarm whose occurrence on the island was facilitated by Pleistocene lowstands (when the island was physically connected with the north African continental landmass, the taxon’s centre of origin). Based on results, involving all four stages of metamorphosis, it is proposed to ‘anchor’ the taxon to Papilio saharae Oberthür, 1879 and assign it subspecific status, aferpilaggi ssp. nov.

The paper can be downloaded here:
https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view ... .1.5/49810

Adam.

Re: A new ssp of Papilio saharae from Lampedusa

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 1:16 pm
by Chuck
Thanks Adam, and congratulations on the paper!

Two questions: "It may therefore be pertinent to note that although the butterflies were relatively abundant during the time of survey, their presence within the type locality should be considered transient." I assume this means the locus typicus, the plateau. If it does, then why would the ssp be "transient"? Transient to a small plateau? Certainly not transient to the island, right?

Second question: Morphometrics seem to have been questionable lately, in light of DNA analyses. Acknowledging potential morphometric superiority over DNA as discussed in Shapiro's politically correct yet scathing paper on Pierine taxonomy, DNA is typically available and inexpensive. Why didn't this ssp undergo DNA analysis to confirm or deny the morphometrics?

Thanks.

Re: A new ssp of Papilio saharae from Lampedusa

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 1:54 pm
by adamcotton
Chuck wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 1:16 pm Transient to a small plateau? Certainly not transient to the island, right?
Yes, indeed. The taxon is isolated on the island, but the place that the holotype was caught (the type locality) is an area where males visit/pass through, rather than staying there all the time.
Chuck wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 1:16 pm Why didn't this ssp undergo DNA analysis to confirm or deny the morphometrics?
DNA analysis is underway, but it is rather unlikely that definitive results can be obtained in the short term, and there are many issues within sequences of the European machaon group that may not even be clearly resolved as a result. We decided it is better to describe it so there is a name out there for this isolated population, and hopefully it will stimulate further research on the Mediterranean taxa in the group.

It is worth noting that this population has been isolated from all others for at least as long as Papilio appalachiensis has existed.

Adam.

Re: A new ssp of Papilio saharae from Lampedusa

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:02 pm
by laurie2
adamcotton wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:53 am This paper was published (open access) today:

Cassar, L-F., Catania, A. & A.M. Cotton 2023. A new subspecies of Papilio saharae Oberthür, 1879 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
from Lampedusa, Italy. Zootaxa 5231(1): 65–78.
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5231.1.5

Abstract
An investigation into the only representative of the genus Papilio on the island of Lampedusa, the largest island of the Pelagian group, was conducted as part of a broader Mediterranean-wide study on the machaon complex. Over a three year period, adults, larvae and ova were collected for further research during field visits, while an in-house breeding programme involving wild-collected gravid females was initiated with a view to examine an adequately sized series of specimens. A total of 38 adults, including 23 male specimens, >150 ova, 233 larvae, and 220 pupae were examined. In addition to a thorough morphometric assessment, statistical tests were performed using one-way ANOVA and multivariate analysis. Results demonstrate morphological characters of P. saharae and, to a lesser degree, of P. machaon, suggesting that the taxon is plausibly the outcome of a hybrid swarm whose occurrence on the island was facilitated by Pleistocene lowstands (when the island was physically connected with the north African continental landmass, the taxon’s centre of origin). Based on results, involving all four stages of metamorphosis, it is proposed to ‘anchor’ the taxon to Papilio saharae Oberthür, 1879 and assign it subspecific status, aferpilaggi ssp. nov.

The paper can be downloaded here:
https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view ... .1.5/49810

Adam.
Superb work Adam! As always!

Re: A new ssp of Papilio saharae from Lampedusa

Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:03 pm
by Miguel
Hello.
Adam,Do you think that it's possible that P.saharae arrives to the south coast of Spain? I don't know if this butterfly flies in the nearest part of morocco

Re: A new ssp of Papilio saharae from Lampedusa

Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2023 5:48 pm
by adamcotton
Miguel wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:03 pm Hello.
Adam,Do you think that it's possible that P.saharae arrives to the south coast of Spain? I don't know if this butterfly flies in the nearest part of morocco
No, P. saharae does not occur in northern Morocco, only P. machaon mauretanica is there, and that does sometimes cross to Gibraltar and southernmost Spain.

Adam.