Parnassius nebrodensis: A threatened but neglected Apollo butterfly species from Southern Europe (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Abstract

Recent multi-locus phylogenetic studies repeatedly showed that what was thought to be the Clouded Apollo butterfly Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) represents a cryptic species complex. This complex contains at least three distant species-level phylogenetic lineages. Here, we compile a set of morphology- and DNA-based evidences supporting the distinctiveness of two species in this group, i.e. P. mnemosyne s. str. and P. nebrodensis Turati, 1907 stat. rev. These species can be distinguished from each other based on a combination of diagnostic characters in the male genitalia structure, wing scale patterns, and the forewing venation. The species status of P. nebrodensis is supported based on unique nucleotide substitutions in the mitochondrial (COI, ND1, and ND5) and nuclear (Wg and EF-1a) genes. P. nebrodensis is endemic to the Western Mediterranean Region. This species shares a disjunctive range through the Pyrenees, Western and Central Alps, Apennines, and the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains on Sicily. Altogether 38 nominal taxa initially described as P. mnemosyne subspecies are considered here to be junior synonyms of P. nebrodensis. At first glance, P. nebrodensis can be assessed as an endangered species due to its restricted distribution, narrow range of habitats, and ongoing population decline. Isolated populations of this species scattered through mountain ranges need special management and conservation efforts.

Lepidopteran Insects Status and Diversity: A Review

“…They are discovered on all lands, excluding the Antarctic continent, and occupy all worldly locales starting on or after wasteland to the forest, as of coastal plains to massif hills, but are practically continually linked with advanced plant life, expressly flowering plant (flowering plant life) [26]. Many of the maximum northern living class of moths and butterflies are the insect of Arctic Apollo (Parnassius arcticus), which is observed within the Cold Round in northeast Russia, at a height above sea level of 1500m [27].…”

The correct name for the South Western European species recently separated from Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

“…Of these names, at least four or five belong to the South West European species, and since all of these names have equal priority, it is necessary to apply the First Reviser Principle under Code article 24.2 in order to choose the valid name for the new species. Bolotov et al (2021) listed dinianus, parmenides, turatii, and vernetanus as definitely belonging to the new species, and also stated that the specific identity of cuneifer from the 'contact zone' is uncertain. All five of these names were published as subspecies of Parnassius mnemosyne by Fruhstorfer on 18 May 1908, as well as silesiacus, mesoleucus, demaculatus and tubulus.…”

“…Thus, the name nebrodensis is attributable to Rothschild, 1918 and has the new combination of Parnassius turatii nebrodensis Rothschild, 1918. Bolotov et al (2021) effectively synonymized all populations of the new species under Parnassius nebrodensis without any subspecies as per their Table 5. It is beyond the scope of this publication to determine the validity of the various populations at subspecies level, other than the necessity of reinstating the Sicilian subspecies, nebrodensis Rothschild, 1918, above.…”

“…It is beyond the scope of this publication to determine the validity of the various populations at subspecies level, other than the necessity of reinstating the Sicilian subspecies, nebrodensis Rothschild, 1918, above. We leave the subspecific status of all other taxa listed in Table 5 of Bolotov et al (2021) applicable to the species Parnassius turatii Fruhstorfer, 1908 to subsequent authors.…”

“…Recently Bolotov et al (2021) separated the populations of Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758) from Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy as a distinct species based on morphological and molecular characters. They applied the oldest published name among the populations of the separate species, Parnassius nebrodensis Turati, 1907[sic], as the name for the new species but this name is unavailable under the ICZN Code (1999) because it was described as an aberration and is thus infrasubspecific.…”