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Four larvae of P. arion found in a Myrmica schencki nest on the Horodyszcze heathland in late May 2009.
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AbStrAct Phengaris arion is a famous, endangered social parasite of Myrmica ants, which used to be considered specific to M. sabuleti. recently a much more complicated pattern of host use has been revealed, and our studies conducted on two heathlands have contributed to it. M. schencki proved to be the most common Myrmica species in both localities...
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... of P. arion. All of them were recorded in colonies of M. schencki and they were present in upper chambers of the nests up to 5 cm below ground level. Infestation rates at both sites were similar: 15% (7 colonies) at Horodyszcze and 13% (4 colonies) at Sowlany. With the excep- tion of a nest at Horodyszcze, where we found 4 larvae in late May (Fig. 4), all other nests contained single individuals. Larvae of P. arion successfully completed their development in artificial nests of M. schencki. Emerged adults were released at the sites of their origin or, when this was impossible, used in genetic ...
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Citations
... ). Most Phengaris species can parasitize nests of multiple ant species, although local populations are often strongly specialized on different hosts(Pech et al. 2007;Tartally et al. 2019;Ueda et al. 2016;Witek et al. 2011;Witek et al. 2008;Sielezniew et al. 2010; ...
“The Natural History of Caterpillar-Ant Associations” was previously published non-open access. It has now been changed to open access under a CC BY 4.0 license and the copyright holder updated to ‘The Author(s)’. The book has also been updated with this change.
... ). Most Phengaris species can parasitize nests of multiple ant species, although local populations are often strongly specialized on different hosts(Pech et al. 2007;Tartally et al. 2019;Ueda et al. 2016;Witek et al. 2011;Witek et al. 2008;Sielezniew et al. 2010; ...
The caterpillars of many Lepidoptera are neither attacked nor tended by ants but nevertheless appear to be obligately ant-associated and benefit from the enemy-free space created by ants. Obligate myrmecophiles that do not attract ants through stridulatory or chemical signaling are limited to habitats where ants are reliably present for other reasons, either among ant-attended hemipterans, on ant-plants, or around ant nests. Particularly in the tropics, obligate ant associates that passively coexist with ants are more diverse than previously recognized, including, for example, hundreds of African species in the lycaenid subfamily Poritiinae. Mutualists and parasites of ants have been reported in eleven families: Tineidae, Tortricidae, Cyclotornidae, Coleophoridae, Crambidae, Erebidae, Notodontidae, Hesperiidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Riodinidae. Altogether, myrmecophily has originated at least 30 times in Lepidoptera, and many groups may remain undiscovered. The butterfly families Lycaenidae and Riodinidae contain the vast majority of ant-associated species: larvae of at least 3841 (71%) of the ~5390 described Lycaenidae and 308 (20%) of the ~1562 described Riodinidae are known or inferred to be ant-associated, and both families possess specialized, convergently developed exocrine glands and stridulatory devices to communicate with ants. Many caterpillar-ant relationships previously characterized as mutualisms may actually be parasitic, as caterpillars can manipulate ants and ultimately exert a fitness cost. In the family Lycaenidae, highly specialized and obligate ant associations are found largely in the Old World tropics, Australia, and Southern Africa, where the stoichiometry of soil micronutrients, particularly sodium and phosphorus, climate, host plants, and geography may all selectively shape caterpillar-ant associations.
... Three species are attacked when they are still in the flowerheads of larval food plants. Phengaris arion is infested by Neotypus coreensis but data on its occurrence are very rare [61]. A more widespread species is Neotypus melanocephalus Gmelin, 1790, a specific parasitoid of Phengaris nausithous (Bergsträsser, 1779), which may be quite common at some localities [62]. ...
Caterpillars of the Alcon blue butterfly Phengaris alcon are initially endophytic and feed inside the flowerheads of Gentiana plants, but complete their development as social parasites in the nests of Myrmica ants, where they are fed by workers. Its specific and complicated ecological requirements make P. alcon a very local, threatened species, sensitive to environmental changes. We investigated an isolated and previously unknown population in an area of high nature value—the Białowieża Forest (NE Poland). Using the mark–release–recapture method we estimated the seasonal number of adults at 1460 individuals, and their density (850/ha) was the highest among all populations using G. pneumonanthe studied so far. The site is also unique due to the presence of the specific parasitoid Ichneumon cf. eumerus, and parasitoids are considered the ultimate indicators of the biodiversity of Phengaris systems. Since 75.5% of P. alcon pupae were infested we could estimate the seasonal population of adult wasps at about 4500 individuals. The high abundance of both P. alcon and its parasitoid may be explained by favorable habitat characteristics, i.e., the strong presence of host plants and the high density of nests of Myrmica scabrinodis, which is the only local host ant of the butterfly.
... Therefore, the observations of N. melanocephalus attacking P. teleius caterpillars might be based on accidental events. In turn, N. coreensis Uchida, 1930 has been shown to attack the predatory P. arion (Sielezniew et al. 2010). ...
Parasites are an important component of ecological communities, as they shape host population dynamics and interfere with interspecific competition in ecosystems. Here, we studied Wolbachia infection and parasitoid occurrence among caterpillars of the endangered Phengaris teleius butterfly in five populations inhabiting southern Poland. The knowledge about potential parasites of P. teleius may be of particular importance for understanding forces regulating population processes of this species. Our study showed lack of Wolbachia infection and endoparasitoids in the sample of 91 4th instar P. teleius caterpillars. However, we found larvae of an unidentified hymenopteran ectoparasitoid on 17 3rd and 4th instar P. teleius caterpillars. We compare our results to findings from other populations of P. teleius, and its sister species in Europe and Asia, and discuss possible causes of observed patterns of parasite occurrence.
... The (Sielezniew & Stankiewicz, 2008;Sielezniew et al., 2010b;Sielezniew et al., 2010c;Sielezniew et al., 2010a) (III); M. scabrinodis and a M. specioides from the Carpathian Basin (this paper); and (IV) M. sabuleti, as the well-proved main host, from Western Europe (England, France and Sweden: Thomas et al., 1989;Elmes et al., 1998;Nielsen, 2012) where M. arion is also recorded from M. scabrinodis and M. lonae nests, but only in a few cases. ...
... According to these observations, it seems that M. arion shows less host ant specificity in Central than in Western European regions (similarly to the other European Maculinea species: Tartally, 2008). However, this does not exclude local adaptations to some host ant species in Central Europe, such as the M. schencki using Polish populations (Sielezniew et al., 2010c). This phenomenon could be explained by the geographic mosaic of coevolution between the butterflies and their host ants (Nash et al., 2008). ...
The protected Maculinea arion is an obligate myrmecophilous butterfly (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). Fourth instar larvae and pupae develop in Myrmica (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ant nests. Host ant specificity varies geographically, and knowledge of the local host ant species is important to understand the biogeography and evolution of this species, and vital for its conservation. Here we report the first data on the host ant usage of M. arion in the Carpathian Basin, one prepupal caterpillar from a Myrmica specioides Bondroit, 1918 and one pupa from a M. scabrinodis Nylander, 1846 nest. Myrmica specioides is a new host ant species of M. arion. It is important to collect further data on the host ant usage of M. arion, despite the difficulties of data collection.
... alcon Denis and Schiffermüller 1775), one of the most endangered butterfly species in Europe (e.g. Munguira and Martin 1999), shows high variability in host Netherlands (Thomas et al. 1989;Radchuk et al. 2012); Poland (Steiner et al. 2003;Stankiewicz 2004, 2007;Sielezniew et al. 2010b;Thomas et al. 2013); Portugal (Arnaldo et al. 2011);Romania (Tartally et al. 2008); Spain Thomas et al. 2013); Sweden ; Switzerland (Jutzeler 1989); Ukraine (Witek et al. 2008)] locations in Estonia where the species is known to occur. The landscape of the area is dominated by arable land and forests in which calcareous grasslands, potentially suitable for P. alcon X, form a mosaic of small discontinuous patches. ...
... Moreover, we did not find any secondary host ants in our P. alcon X population, which is consistent with the idea of higher host specificity near species' range margins (Martin and Pullins 2004;Schmidt and Hughes 2006). Interestingly, M. schencki has been considered one of the most xerothermophilous Myrmica species in Europe ) and has been associated with bare ground patches (Sielezniew et al. 2010b). However, our findings of relatively high densities of M. schencki colonies in rather dense vegetation highlight the need to review habitat requirements of this species in a broader geographical context. ...
In myrmecophilous insects, interactions with ants are often a key factor determining persistence of their populations. Regional variation in host ant use is therefore an essential aspect to consider to provide adequate conservation practices for such species. In this study, we examined this important facet of species’ ecology in an endangered myrmecophilous butterfly Phengaris (=Maculinea) alcon (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). The investigations conducted in peripheral populations in Estonia allowed us to expand the knowledge of its host ant use to the northern distribution limit of the species. Our data indicate that in its northernmost populations, the xerophilous ecotype of Phengaris alcon is primarily parasitizing a single host ant species, Myrmica schencki. The data collected are in line with the emerging evidence suggesting that peripheral and core populations of P. alcon use different host ants, and peripheral populations tend to display higher host ant specificity. We also show that, at its northern range margin, P. alcon might be more limited by the availability of its sole larval food plant in the region, Gentiana cruciata, than the densities of its host ant. Finally, we found a strong negative correlation between Myrmica spp. and Lasius spp. colony densities, suggesting that interspecific competition between ants could have a substantial influence on host ant availability of Phengaris butterflies, and thus should be taken into account in conservation plans of these species.
... ), later studies showed multiple host ants use. On sites in Poland, the species was found in nests of M.schencki, M. sabuleti, M. scabrinodis, M. lobicornis, M. hellenica and M. lonae, with percentages of occupation in ant nests differing between sites(Sielezniew et al, 2009(Sielezniew et al, , 2010a(Sielezniew et al, , 2010b. In Italy, pupae were found in nests of M. lonae andM. ...
This study aims at determining the distribution, abundance, and relations to the host plants of two butterfly species Phengaris arion and Phengaris nausithous, and identification of potential changes with historical data have been performed in Armenia. Ph. arion was found on all the 24 transects conducted, at all locations were historical data are available. Among possible host plants the Thymus sp. was found at all the surveyed sites, while Origanum vulgare was found at 17 sites out of 24. We have not found a significant correlation between the number of butterflies and density of Thymus sp. (R2 = 0.28, F = 0.642, P = 0.431, n=24), as well as with the density of Origanum vulgare (R2 = 0.076, F = 1.232, P = 0.285, n=17). The examined sites carry some influence of livestock grazing. The Ph. nausithous was found on seven out of nine sites examined. The number of the butterflies is correlated with the density of the host plant (R2 = 0.382, F = 5.59, P < 0.05, n=10). The species was not recorded at two sites where historical records are available from.
... While first findings indicated a specialization to a single host ant species Myrmica sabuleti (Thomas et al. 1989), later studies showed multiple host ants use. On sites in Poland, the species was found in nests of M. schencki, M. sabuleti, M. scabrinodis, M. lobicornis, M. hellenica and M. lonae, with percentages of occupation in ant nests differing between sites (Sielezniew et al, 2009Sielezniew et al, , 2010aSielezniew et al, , 2010b). In Italy, pupae were found in nests of M. lonae and M. sulcinodis (Cassaci et al 2011). ...
This study aims at determining the distribution, abundance, and relations to the host plants of two butterfly species Phengaris arion and Phengaris nausithous, and identification of potential changes with historical data have been performed in Armenia. Ph. arion was found on all the 24 transects conducted with an average density of 12.7±5.3 specimen per ha. Ph. nausithous was found on eight out of 11 sites examined. The average density of the species is 19.7±14.0 specimen per ha. The species was not recorded at two “historical” sites.
... In addition, the high structural variation of swards generated under moderate pony grazing might also benefit invertebrates ( Crofts and Jefferson 1999; Price 2003). Light horse grazing prevented vegetation overgrowth on eastern Polish heathlands and contributed to create the favourable conditions required for rare xerothermophilous ants such as Tapinoma ambiguum and host ants (i.e., Myrmica schencki) of the endangered parasitic butterfly Phengaris arion and its specific parasitoid Neotypus coreensis (Sielezniew et al. 2010). Unmanaged areas nearby lacked the favourable conditions necessary for xerothermophilous ants, or the development of Thymus serpyllum, the larval food plant of P. arion. ...
... Unmanaged areas nearby lacked the favourable conditions necessary for xerothermophilous ants, or the development of Thymus serpyllum, the larval food plant of P. arion. The control of bushes and small scale disturbances of the soil would contribute to maintaining P. arion, as well as other butterflies such as Plebeius argus, whose larvae feed upon C. vulgaris amongst others, and live in mutualistic relationship with Lasius ants (Sielezniew et al. 2010). Similarly, livestock grazing (including horses) in Belgian wet heathlands helped to control de proliferation of M. caerulea, maintain or create well-structured heathlands, and protect the endangered butterfly Maculinea alcon by creating suitable conditions for its host ants (Myrmica spp.) and its host plants (G. ...
Atlantic heaths are semi-natural habitats of high biodiversity interest which once covered large areas of the Atlantic Region. Nowadays these heathlands are dramatically reduced in many countries although they still cover wide areas in the north-west Iberian Peninsula, especially in the poorest and most socially marginal areas that are frequently affected by wildfires. We review the role of livestock grazing as a sustainable management strategy for heathlands in Europe. We have worked on a generalized conceptual framework for the management of a resource of nutritional and environmental value by drawing together evidence from studies of the livestock and the community ecology of grazed plants and the associated fauna.Key factors that influence grazing impact, such as type of livestock (animal species and breed) and their management are discussed. Goats thrive better than sheep, and horses than cattle,when heathland vegetation is the predominant resource available. Regardless of the type of livestock species managed, the low nutritive value of this vegetation hinders the maintenance of productive groups of suckler dams with offspring through the grazing season. The nutritional requirements of livestock can be met by adding improved pasture areas to heathlands. Under that strategy, sheep have the best productive performance and cattle the poorest. Management of mixed flocks with goats can lead to a more efficient use of vegetation, improve productivity and develop a patchier habitat which supports a richer associated fauna. Overall the results indicate that the sustainability of livestock grazing in these marginal lands will be achieved if they are managed effectively according to the available vegetation and their effects on the biodiversity.
... Only in foothills and mountainous areas, P. arion is related to xerothermal grasslands (with T. pulegioides), which are more typical biotopes of the species on a European scale. Recent studies from Poland have also proved that at least some populations in this part of Europe do not depend on M. sabuleti, as larvae of P. arion were observed in the nests of six other species, showing a complicated pattern of host ant use (Sielezniew and Stankiewicz 2008;Sielezniew et al. 2010aSielezniew et al. , 2010bSielezniew et al. and 2010c. ...
... introducing individuals from neighbouring localities to increase genetic diversity. Significant differentiation was also recorded between two populations (SOW and HOR) which were very similar as far as biotope and host ant use (exclusively M. schencki) are concerned (Sielezniew et al. 2010b), which implied that ecological and genetic variability did not overlap. ...
Genetic variation of the globally threatened obligatorily myrmecophilous Large Blue butterfly Phengaris (Maculinea) arion (Lepidoptera) was studied, using six microsatellite markers, in a country where its decline is dramatic (Poland). Material was collected on 13 sites showing considerable ecological variation as far as biotope, larval food plant and host ants of the butterfly were concerned. Genetic variability, estimated in terms of number of alleles and heterozygosity, was the lowest in the most isolated populations. However on sites localized in areas where suitable biotopes were extensive and interconnected, P. arion still held relatively high genetic diversity. Pairwise F
ST values indicated small and moderate differentiation among samples (F
ST = 0.01–0.15), with the exceptions of two isolated localities (0.20). We did not find clear evidence of isolation by distance. The presence of four or five genetic clusters was indicated. Analysis of the membership of each individual to each cluster showed that the vast majority of individuals from three isolated populations were clustered in three separate genetic groups. The most distinct population was the one, which had been found to be specialized towards Myrmica lobicornis in previous studies. Individuals from the remaining populations could not be clustered in separate genetic groups, however some dominance of different clusters in geographical regions was observed. Some portion of the population’s genetic variability could be explained by geographical distribution, however the percentage of variation, explaining the differences between two main regions (S and NE Poland), was very low. We conclude that the main factor shaping the current genetic structure of P. arion in Poland is the recent isolation of populations related to habitat fragmentation but local ecological specializations may be also a potential factor. Therefore the necessity of activities aiming to halt the further reduction of genetic variability, as well as the monitoring of priority populations (e.g. those belonging to unique host races), should be emphasized in future action plans in Central Europe.
