Czech Republic butterfly barcoding reveals that distribution of genetic lineages depends on species traits

Aim The distribution of within-species lineages has been affected by Quaternary climate changes, and population differentiation has been influenced by species life histories. We investigated whether the distribution of individual mitochondrial genetic lineages reflects the constituent species’ traits. Using the functionally diverse group of butterflies, we examined which lineages are present in Central Europe, an important suture zone. Location Czech Republic and Western Palearctic. Taxon A total of 140 butterfly species.

We sequenced DNA barcodes (cytochrome c oxidase 1) (959 sequences) of the entire Czech Republic butterfly fauna and used BOLD data to visualize the species’ biogeographic patterns across Europe. We categorised the distribution patterns of lineages inhabiting the Czech Republic, and used multivariate statistics to interpret these categories by the butterflies’ habitats, life histories, and threat levels.

Open habitat dwellers with specialist traits belonged to Eastern, Southern, and temperate lineages. Habitat generalists and woodland dwellers belonged to the Western lineage, formed several lineages, or displayed low genetic diversity; they often developed on woody plants, were large-winged, and had long flight periods. The most threatened species were the specialists of Southern, Eastern, and temperate lineages. Main conclusions The distribution of lineages in Central Europe reflects the history of Quaternary ecosystems: during cold periods of the Pleistocene, the diverse open habitats prevailed, and species could expand westwards. Such species also suffer the most under the current anthropogenic habitat alteration. On the other hand, the mobile generalists and woodland dwellers expanded to Central Europe during the Holocene. Our approach of linking the distribution of lineages with species traits can be transferred to other study systems, and we show that DNA barcoding of under-sampled areas represents a powerful tool for discovering the driving forces of biogeography. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Footnotes This version includes minor text changes. All data and analyses remain the same.