Evaluating the impact of non-lethal DNA sampling on two butterflies, Vanessa cardui and Satyrodes eurydice

Dispersal via stream corridors structures populations of the endangered St. Francis’ satyr butterfly (Neonympha mitchellii francisci)

“…The use of a small piece of wing has been employed as a non-lethal and minimally invasive procedure for sampling DNA from bees and butterflies (Chaline et al 2004;Hamm et al 2010). Several studies justify the benign nature of the technique as simulating unsuccessful predation attempts by birds that frequently result in functional butterflies that are missing parts of their wings (Chaline et al 2004;Keyghobadi et al 2006;Saastamoinen and Hanski 2008).…”

“…Several studies justify the benign nature of the technique as simulating unsuccessful predation attempts by birds that frequently result in functional butterflies that are missing parts of their wings (Chaline et al 2004;Keyghobadi et al 2006;Saastamoinen and Hanski 2008). Hamm et al (2010) found that clipping a 3 mm 2 piece of the wing from the anal angle of the hindwing resulted in no significant detrimental effects on survival or activity level of Satyrodes eurydice, a butterfly in the same subfamily as N. m. francisci, and of similar size and shape. Employing this technique, we used fine-tipped forceps or scissors to clip an approximately 2 mm 2 piece of the metathoracic wing, being certain to include a section of the anal vein (containing DNA-rich hemolymph) in the sample.…”

Characterization of ten polymorphic microsatellite markers for an endangered butterfly Argynnis niobe and their cross-species utility in the closely related species A. adippe (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

“…Genomic DNA was extracted from a little piece of wing using the DNeasy Blood&Tissue kit (QIAGEN), which is a way of obtaining tissue samples from butterflies without damaging them (Hamm et al, 2010) and especially important in the case of endangered species. Initially, we reviewed the literature for microsatellites already developed for related species in order to try cross-species amplification.…”

Fine-scale genetic structure of an endangered population of the Mormon metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo) revealed using AFLPs

“…The technique is particularly useful in non-model organisms as previous knowledge of the genome is not necessary (Bensch and Akesson 2005). Furthermore, it has been recently demonstrated that small, non-lethally sampled, pieces of butterfly wing tissue provide sufficient quantities of DNA for the analysis of AFLPs (Keyghobadi et al 2009) and that they can be taken without lowering individual survival or affecting behaviour (Vila et al 2009;Hamm et al 2010;Koscinski et al in press). Thus, the use of AFLPs for population genetic studies represents a promising tool, particularly for the study of endangered butterfly species where neither lethal sampling of individuals nor the development of microsatellites is preferable.…”