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Accepted by J-F. Landry: 16 Jun. 2011; published: 1 Aug. 2011
ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
Copyright © 2011 · Magnolia Press
Zootaxa 2981: 1–22 (2011)
www.mapress.com/zootaxa/Article
1
Cryptic diversity and phylogeography of high alpine Sattleria—a case study
combining DNA barcodes and morphology (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
PETER HUEMER1 & PAUL D. N. HEBERT2
1Tiroler Landesmuseen Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen, Feldstr. 11 a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
E-mail: p.huemer@tiroler-landesmuseen.at
2Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada. E-mail: phebert@uoguelph.ca
Abstract
The taxonomy of Sattleria, a genus restricted to European high mountain systems, is critically revised based on morphol-
ogy, DNA barcodes and phylogeography. Adult morphology combined with sequence information for the barcode region
of COI supports the existence of 14 species. The full 658bp fragment of COI was obtained from 43 specimens representing
11 species and three shorter sequences were obtained from another two species. An illustrated key to the male genitalia of
all species is provided. Three new species are described: Sattleria karsholti sp. nov. (Alpi Orobie, Adamello and Monte
Baldo, Prov. Bergamo, Trento and Verona, Italy), Sattleria cottiella sp. nov. (Cottian Alps, Prov. Cuneo, Italy), and Sat-
tleria graiaeella sp. nov. (Alpi Graie, Prov. Aosta, Italy; Savoie, France). Sattleria basistrigella Huemer, 1997 bona sp.,
stat. rev. is raised from subspecies rank of Sattleria triglavica Povolný, 1987 to species rank.
Key words: Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Sattleria, phylogeography, cryptic diversity, new species, revised status, barcode,
morphology, Europe, high mountains
Introduction
Lepidoptera from the Alps have recently gained increasing attention resulting in the description of numerous new,
mostly endemic taxa (Huemer 1998, 2011). Several of these new taxa belong to hitherto unrecognized species com-
plexes, many with brachypterous, flightless females which are well adapted to alpine environments (Sattler 1991,
Whitebread 2007). The genus Sattleria, described by Povolný (1965), provides a striking example of such over-
looked alpha-diversity. Although the first species was described in the 19th Century (Nowicki 1864), only two fur-
ther species were known until recently. During the last two decades of the 20th Century several new species were
described, mainly based on morphological characters of the adults and their genitalia. Some of these taxa occurred
sympatrically, strongly supporting their status as distinct species (Huemer and Sattler 1992, Pitkin and Sattler
1991). However, Povolný (1987, 2001) argued that intraspecific variation was exceptionally high and only recog-
nized a single highly polymorphic species, viz. Sattleria dzieduszyckii (Nowicki, 1864), separated into five subspe-
cies (Povolný 2002). These conflicting taxonomic treatments were reviewed by Huemer and Karsholt (2010) who
defined 10 species of Sattleria based on morphological characters and partially supported by a preliminary molec-
ular dataset for a few taxa. Since this time, we have tried to advance species concepts in the genus through integra-
tive taxonomy (Schlick-Steiner et al. 2010) including the acquisition of DNA barcodes from representative
voucher specimens of Sattleria. These studies revealed considerable interspecific sequence divergence supporting
the validity of the species recognized through prior morphological study. However, this work also revealed a sur-
prising level of genetic diversity, particularly in the southwestern Alps, an observation that provoked our decision
to revise the genus combining molecular and morphological traits.
HUEMER & HEBERT
2 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
Material and methods
New and newly revised species are described in detail, whereas descriptions and diagnoses of other taxa may be
obtained from extensive earlier reviews e.g. Microlepidoptera of Europe volume 6 (Huemer and Karsholt 2010).
Diagnostic features in females are not considered due to the lack of representative specimens for all newly
described species.
We examined 270 dried, pinned and partially set specimens. Genitalia preparation followed standardized tech-
niques (Robinson 1976) adapted for Gelechiidae and using by adoption of the unrolling technique (e.g. Pitkin and
Sattler 1991).
Wingspan is defined as the distance between the forewing apices of set specimens. Because accurate measure-
ment is sometimes difficult or impossible to make, particularly in worn, unset or badly set material, the scale unit is
only in half millimeters.
Photographs of the adults were taken through an Olympus SZX 10 binocular microscope and Olympus E 3
digital camera and processed with Helicon Focus 4.3 software and using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom 2.3.
Genitalia were photographed with an Olympus E1 digital camera through an Olympus BH2 microscope.
Maps are based on examined material exclusively and were produced with the software program BIOOFFICE.
65 specimens of Sattleria were sequenced at the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding (CCDB, Guelph) to
obtain DNA barcodes (COI 5’ fragment of 658 bp) using the standard high-throughput protocol as described in
Ivanova et al. (2006), resulting in a full barcode fragment for 43 specimens (11 species) and shorter sequences for
8 specimens (including two additional species). No suitable material was available for S. angustispina. Details on
the voucher specimens can be obtained from the public project “PHLAS - Lepidoptera of the Alps - Sattleria” in
the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD; Ratnasingham and Hebert 2007). Barcode sequences were submitted to
GenBank and have the following accession numbers: GU689182, GU689218, HM381543, HM381545,
HM381572, HM381612, HM381613, HM381633, HM381638, HM426025, HM426026, HM432292, HM910632,
HM910633, HQ968320, HQ968595, HQ968624, HQ968625, HQ968634, HQ968635, HQ968643, HQ968660–
HQ968664, HQ968744, HQ968745, HQ968951, HQ968952–HQ968955, HQ968960–HQ968965, JF860407,
JN200802-JN200812.
Sequence divergences were quantified using the Kimura 2-parameter model implemented within the analytical
tools on BOLD.
The following abbreviations are used for institutions and private collections: LMK—Landesmuseum Kärnten,
Klagenfurt, Austria; LNK—Staatliche Sammlungen für Naturkunde, Karlsruhe, Austria; NHMW—Naturhisto-
risches Museum, Vienna, Austria; RCGB—Research collection Giorgio Baldizzone, Asti, Italy; RCNP—Research
collection Norbert Pöll, Bad Ischl, Austria; RCTG—Research collection Theo Grünewald, Landshut, Germany;
RCTM—Research collection Toni Mayr, Feldkirch, Austria; TLMF—Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, Inns-
bruck, Austria; ZMUC—Zoological Museum, Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark;
ZSM—Zoologische Staatssammlung, Munich, Germany.
Results
Genus Sattleria Povolný, 1965
Type species: Gelechia dzieduszyckii Nowicki, 1864 by monotypy and original designation.
Diagnosis. Adult (Figs 1–8). Head smoothly scaled, labial palpus recurved, second segment with short brush of
scales ventrally, third segment acute, about length of second segment. Wingspan 15–24 mm, 10–19 mm. Male
with longish forewing, maximum width at about 4/5; hindwing broad. Female with short and distinctly pointed
forewing, maximum width in basal third; hindwing largely reduced, short and pointed flap of about 1/3 length of
forewing. Forewings of both sexes light grey brown to mid-brown, frequently with darker mottling in basal third
and at about 2/3; dark brown markings consisting of basal streak or one to two elongate black stigmata in fold and
further spots at middle and end of cell, the latter frequently angulated; termen often with black dots, particularly in
male. Hindwings light grey.
Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press · 3
CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
FIGURES 1–8. Adults of Sattleria. 1–2, S. melalecuella (Constant), 1, , 2, ; 3, S. karsholti sp. nov., , holotype; 4, S. cot-
tiella sp. nov., , holotype; 5, S. izoardi Huemer & Sattler, ; 6, S. graiaeella sp. nov., , holotype; 7, S. basistrigella Huemer,
; 8, S. triglavica Povolný, .
HUEMER & HEBERT
4 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
Male genitalia (Figs 9–35). Subgenital segments: sternite VIII sub-oval, with or without weak emargination
medially; tergite VIII tongue-shaped, slender; uncus short and moderately slender, with rounded apex; gnathos
hook strong, culcitula distinct; tegumen gradually widened from uncus to pedunculi, anterior margin deeply emar-
ginate; pedunculi long, slender; valva long, slender, straight to weakly curved; sacculus shorter than valva, distally
pointed, basal part with or without rounded lobe; vinculum broad, deeply emarginate posteriomedially with pair of
long, strongly sclerotized, needle-shaped to forked processes, occasionally with lateral lobe; saccus about length to
slightly shorter than processes, broad with almost parallel margins and rounded to cut-off apex; anellus with pair of
small, rounded, centrally perforated sclerites; phallus long, slender, straight to weakly curved, coecum weakly sep-
arate, apex with sclerotized plate and short arm, ventromedial part occasionally with projection.
Female genitalia (see Huemer and Karsholt 2010). Apophysis posterioris very long; sternum VIII strongly
sclerotized, with pair of small and drop-like pockets; sternite VIII medially with irregular folds or ridges; apophysis
anterioris about length of segment VIII, about one-third length of apophysis posterioris, basally strongly sclero-
tized and extended into ostium bursae and to sternal pockets; antrum long and tubular; ductus bursae about length
of or shorter than antrum; corpus bursae spherical to oval, usually without, rarely with barely discernible signum.
Bionomics. The biology of most species of Sattleria is insufficiently described and only a few authors such as
Burmann (1954) deal with the habits of preimaginal stages. The ovum and oviposition sites are unknown. The lar-
val stages have been recorded from various Caryophyllaceae (Silene spp., Moehringia sp.) and Saxifragaceae (Sax-
ifraga spp.). They have been found in July and August, feeding from a loosely spun silken tube that is often
extended from the upper parts of the host-plant to the roots or nearby stones (Pitkin and Sattler 1991). Frass is
deposited outside the larval tube. The simultaneous presence of different larval stages indicates a biennial phenol-
ogy, but phenology may depend on the location and microclimatic conditions. Hibernation probably takes place in
the larval stage. Early snowfall shortly after the flight season indicates an alternative hibernation of the pupa or the
ovum (Huemer, pers. obs.). The larvae apparently pupate near the ground surface in a dense cocoon, often under
stones or amongst the host-plant. Adults have been collected from late June and mid-September. Burmann (1954)
observed a mating pair in the early afternoon, whereas Pitkin and Sattler (1991) suspected that increased male
activity about midnight was related to their search for females at that time. According to personal observations
(P.H.) the males of two species were found in large numbers and extremely active in the early morning at tempera-
tures slightly above zero, indicating mating behaviour. Males of most if not all species are easily attracted to differ-
ent artificial light sources. Species of Sattleria are restricted to alpine habitats such as scree and rock formations
with sparse vegetation as well as alpine grassland, preferably on calcareous, rarely on siliceous soil. The vertical
distribution ranges from about 2000 to 3500 m, exceptionally as low as 1500 m.
MAP 1. The distribution of the genus Sattleria in Europe (exclusively based on examined material); altitudinal zones above
1600 m s.l. in blue.
Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press · 5
CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
Distribution. Species of Sattleria are restricted to the European mountain systems (Map 1). They have been
recorded mainly from the Alps where diversity reaches it highest level with 10 species (Map 2). The genus is also
represented in the Pyrénées by three additional species—S. arcuata Pitkin & Sattler, 1991, S. pyrenaica (Petry,
1904), and S. angustispina Pitkin & Sattler, 1991. The Carpathian Mountains are inhabited by a single endemic
species, S. dzieduszyckii (Nowicki, 1864) whereas the Dinaric Mountains and the Apennines share their single spe-
cies with the Alps (S. triglavica Povolný, 1987 and S. melaleucella (Constant, 1865) respectively). A record from
the Balkan Mountains is dubious and whereabouts of the material are unknown (Pitkin & Sattler 1991). No records
of Sattleria are known from the Caucasus or Mediterranean mountain systems.
Remarks. The external and genitalia morphology for most taxa have been extensively described by Pitkin and
Sattler (1991), Povolný (1987, 2001, 2002) and most recently Huemer and Karsholt (2010), and particularly the
last mentioned revision may be used as a reference. Descriptions in this publication are restricted to new and
revised taxa and because of the absence of females the latter are necessarily omitted from diagnoses.
MAP 2. The distribution of taxa of the Sattleria in the Alps (exclusively based on examined material); altitudinal zones above
1600 m s.l. in blue.
HUEMER & HEBERT
6 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
Checklist of Sattleria species
Sattleria Povolný, 1965
Sattleria melaleucella (Constant, 1865)
= Gelechia mariae Frey, 1867 unavailable, infrasubspecific
= Gelechia dzieduszyckii fusca Burmann, 1954
Sattleria arcuata Pitkin & Sattler, 1991
Sattleria pyrenaica (Petry, 1904)
Sattleria karsholti Huemer & Hebert, 2011 sp. nov.
Sattleria cottiella Huemer & Hebert, 2011 sp. nov.
Sattleria marguareisi Huemer & Sattler, 1992
Sattleria izoardi Huemer & Sattler, 1992
Sattleria graiaeella Huemer & Hebert, 2011 sp. nov.
Sattleria dzieduszyckii (Nowicki, 1864)
= Gelechia dzieduszyckii tatrica Gregor & Povolný, 1955
Sattleria triglavica Povolný, 1987
Sattleria basistrigella Huemer, 1997 bona sp., stat. rev.
= Gelechia dzieduszykii [sic] f. basistrigella Müller-Rutz, 1934 unavailable, infrasubspecific
Sattleria angustispina Pitkin & Sattler, 1991
Sattleria breviramus Pitkin & Sattler, 1991
Sattleria styriaca Pitkin & Sattler, 1991
Illustrated key to the species of Sattleria
Note. The key is solely based on male genitalia characters. Further supplementing data including figures of exter-
nal characters are available in Huemer and Karsholt (2010).
1 Sacculus evenly tapered to pointed apex, or medially broadened with short and slender apical part; secondary process of vincu-
lum arising from basal third or middle of primary process (Figs 9–20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
- Sacculus with broad and hump-like base, distal part abruptly tapered; secondary process of vinculum arising at base of primary
process or absent (Figs 21–23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
2 Secondary process of vinculum with pointed apex (Figs 9–15, 24–31). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
- Secondary process of vinculum broadly rounded (Figs 16–20, 32–35) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
3 Vincular processes separated into long primary and short, spine-shaped secondary process (Figs 9–12, 24–27) . . . . . . . . . . 4
- Vincular processes forked, separated into needle shaped primary and long and slender secondary process (Figs 13–15, 28–31)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Primary process of vinculum serrated (Fig. 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. arcuata
- Primary process of vinculum without serration (Figs 9–10, 12). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5 Phallus with long medial process; secondary process of vinculum a slender spine (Figs 9–10, 26–27) . . . . . . . S. melaleucella
- Phallus with indistinct medial process; secondary process of vinculum a broadly based spine (Figs 12, 24–25) . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. karsholti sp. nov.
6 Secondary process of vinculum about length of distal part of primary process, arising at right angle (Fig. 13) . . . . S. pyrenaica
- Secondary process of vinculum distinctly shorter than distal part of primary process, arising at acute angle (Figs 14–15, 28–31)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
7 Secondary process of vinculum arising at angle of about 60°, less than one-half length of distal part of primary process (Figs
14, 28–29) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. cottiella sp. nov.
- Secondary process of vinculum arising at angle of about 30°, about two-thirds length of distal part of primary process (Figs 15,
30–31) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. izoardi
8 Sacculus evenly tapered; phallus with long and curved sclerotized arm near apex (Figs 16, 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
- Sacculus medially broadened; phallus with short and straight sclerotized arm near apex (Figs 17, 19–20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9 Secondary process of vinculum arising in middle of primary process, hump-like (Fig. 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. marguareisi
- Secondary process of vinculum arising near base of primary process, shape of a shark’s fin (Fig. 18). . . . . . . . S. dzieduszyckii
10 Phallus with distinct medial process (Fig. 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. graiaeella sp. nov.
- Phallus without medial process (Figs 19–20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
11 Secondary process of vinculum broad, evenly convex (Figs 19, 35) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. triglavica
- Secondary process of vinculum small, posterior margin concave (Figs 20, 34) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. basistrigella
12 Secondary process of vinculum absent (Fig. 21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. breviramus
Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press · 7
CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
- Secondary process of vinculum distinct, spine-shaped (Figs 22–23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
13 Sacculus with long and straight distal part, basal part broadly convex; secondary process of vinculum slender, needle-shaped to
tooth-like (Fig. 23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. angustispina
- Sacculus with moderately long and curved distal part, basal part with distinct hump; secondary process of vinculum distinctly
broader at base, distal part slender, tooth-like (Fig. 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. styriaca
New and revised taxa
Sattleria karsholti sp. nov.
(Figs 3, 12, 24–25)
Type material. Holotype , ‘Italia sept. Prov. Bergamo Alpi Orobie Val d´Arera 2100 m 14.-15.8.1992 leg. Hue-
mer’ ‘BC TLMF Lep 1439’ (TLMF).
Paratypes. Italy: 1 , same data as holotype, gen. slide GEL 1132 (TLMF); 7 , Prov. Trento, Adamello,
Mandron, 2800 m, 30.7.-1.8.1964, leg. Burmann, gen. slides GEL 131, LMP 52, LMP 71 (LNK; TLMF; ZMUC);
2 , same data, but end 7.1967, leg. Burmann; 1 , same data, but 2700 m, mid 8.1958, leg. Burmann, gen. slide
LMP 89 (LNK); 1 , same data, but 2500 m, 15.8.1985, leg. Schütz (RCTG); 1 , same data, but 2600 m,
15.8.1989, leg. Schütz (RCTG); 1 , Prov. Verona, Monte Baldo, Telegrafo, 2150 m, mid 7.1969, leg. Burmann,
gen. slide LMP 74 (LNK); 1 , Prov. Verona, Monte Baldo, Cima Valdritta, 2200 m, 15.7.1987, leg. Huemer &
Tarmann, gen. slide GEL 162 (TLMF); 1 , Prov. Verona, Monte Baldo, Longino, 2200 m, 29.6.1985, leg. Tar-
mann (TLMF).
Description. Adult (Fig. 3). Head cream-coloured, rarely mid-brown, labial palpus cream-coloured, with few
mid-brown scales on outer surface, tip of segment three brownish; antenna blackish brown; thorax and abdomen
mid-brown, mixed with some rusty brown. Wingspan 17.5–20.5.0 mm; forewing ground colour underlies some
variation, from light creamy brown to darker grey-brown, rusty brown along subcosta, fold and in basal half of
forewing, medial part of wing intensively mottled cream, indistinct angulate cream fascia at 4/5 inwardly bordered
by irregular transverse dark brown fascia; black markings: dash in fold, subcostal spot at 2/5 and angulated spot at
3/5 in middle of forewing, furthermore some black mottling at base and along costa, termen with black dots;
fringes concolorous with ground colour, weakly defined fringe line present; hindwing light grey with concolorous
fringes. Female unknown.
Male genitalia (Figs 12, 24–25). Uncus with evenly rounded apex; gnathos hook strong, culcitula large; tegu-
men anteriorly widened, broadly and deeply emarginated anterior margin; pedunculi long, slender; valva long,
slender, extending almost to apex of uncus, nearly straight; sacculus shorter than valva, evenly tapered to apical
point, basally without lobe; vinculum deeply emarginated with pair of long processes; primary process long and
broadly digitate, distal half with few fine setae, apically weakly narrowing, almost level with apex of sacculus; sec-
ondary process short, sub-triangular spine, arising at right angle in basal third of primary process; saccus slightly
shorter than primary vincular process, slender sub-rectangular with cut-off apex; anellus with pair of small,
rounded, centrally perforated sclerites; phallus slender, nearly straight, with small medial projection, coecum
weakly inflated, apex with short and straight sclerotized arm.
Female genitalia. Unknown.
Diagnosis. Sattleria karsholti sp. nov. is externally very similar to other medium-sized species of the genus,
particularly to the south-western alpine population of S. melaleucella. However, S. melaleucella has a longer and
more slender primary process of the vinculum, a longer spine-like secondary process and a large medial projection
of the phallus (Figs 9–10, 26–27). In the somewhat similar S. arcuata, the primary vincular process is needle-
shaped and serrated (Fig. 11). Intraspecific divergence at COI is absent in the two specimens examined whereas
interspecific divergence is 2.34% to the nearest neighbour S. marguareisi. The minimum distance to the allegedly
conspecific S. melaleucella is higher at 4.11%.
Bionomics. Host-plants and early stages are unknown. The adults have been collected from the end of June to
mid-August. Habitats are alpine scree and rock formations primarily on limestone, but the species also occurs on
siliceous soil with sparse vegetation at elevations ranging from about 2200 m to 2800 m.
Distribution. Only known from a small section of the southern Alps, ranging from Monte Baldo in the west to
Pizo Arera in the east (Prov. Trento, Verona, Bergamo, Italy).
HUEMER & HEBERT
8 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
Etymology. The species is named after our colleague and friend Ole Karsholt (Zoological Museum, Copenha-
gen) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to European lepidopterology.
Remarks. S. karsholti sp. nov. was hitherto considered as the geographical form “C” of S. melaleucella, repre-
senting this species in the southern Alps (Pitkin and Sattler, 1991; see discussion). Despite the presence of several
distinctive morphological characters, Pitkin and Sattler (1991) hesitated to introduce a new name in the absence of
further evidence indicating species status.
Pl. 21, Fig. 207c in Huemer and Karsholt (2010) depicts S karsholti sp. nov. and not S. melaleucella.
FIGURES 9–12. Male genitalia of Sattleria. 9, S. melaleucella (Constant), slide LMP 76; 10, ditto, slide LMP 102; 11, S. arc-
uata Pitkin & Sattler, paratype, slide GEL 159; 12, S. karsholti sp. nov., paratype, slide LMP 71.
Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press · 9
CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
FIGURES 13–16. Male genitalia of Sattleria. 13, S. pyrenaica (Petry), slide GEL 279; 14, S. cottiella sp. nov., paratype, slide
GEL 1144; 15, S. izoardi Huemer, holotype, slide GEL 1145; 16, S. marguareisi Huemer & Sattler, paratype, slide GEL 150.
HUEMER & HEBERT
10 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
FIGURES 17–20. Male genitalia of Sattleria. 17, S. graiaeella sp. nov., paratype, slide GEL 1135; 18, S. dzieduszyckii (Now-
icki), slide Mus. Vind. 11242; 19, S. triglavica Povolný, paratype, slide Mus. Vind. 11241; 20, S. basistrigella Huemer, slide
GEL 1139.
Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press · 11
CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
FIGURES 21–23. Male genitalia of Sattleria. 21, S. breviramus Pitkin & Sattler, slide GEL 154; 22, S. stryriaca Pitkin & Sat-
tler, paratype, slide 91/230 P.H.; 23, S. angustispina Pitkin & Sattler, paratype, slide CG 84.
Sattleria cottiella sp. nov.
(Figs 4, 14, 28–29)
Type material. Holotype , ‘Italien, Prov Cuneo Colle Valcavera 2420 m N 44°23,0´ E 07°06,2´ 27.7.2009 Mayr
Toni leg.’ (TLMF).
Paratypes. Italy: 5 , same data as holotype (RCTM); 1 , same data, but 4.8.2008, leg. Huemer (TLMF); 1
, same data, but 23.7.2009, leg. Huemer (TLMF); 7 , same data, but 2.8.2010, leg. Huemer (TLMF); 4 , same
data, but leg. Wieser (LMK); 13 , Prov. Cuneo, Demonte NW, Colle Fauniera, 2480-2500 m, 3.8.2008, leg. Hue-
mer, gen. slides GEL 1144, GEL 1146 (TLMF); 20 , same data, but 28.7.2009, leg. Skou & Skule (ZMUC).
HUEMER & HEBERT
12 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
FIGURES 24–27. Male genitalia of Sattleria (details of valva-vinculum complex). 24, S. karsholti sp. nov., paratype, slide
LMP 74; 25, ditto, paratype, slide LMP 71; 26, S. melalecuella (Constant), slide LMP 76; 27, ditto, slide LMP 102.
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CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
FIGURES 28–31. Male genitalia of Sattleria (details of valva-vinculum complex). 28, S. cottiella sp. nov., paratype, slide
GEL 1144; 29, ditto, paratype, slide GEL 1146; 30, S. izoardi Huemer & Sattler, holotype, slide GEL 1145; 31, ditto, slide GEL
1049.
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FIGURES 32–35. Male genitalia of Sattleria (details of valva-vinculum complex). 32, S. graiaeella sp. nov., paratype, slide
GEL 1135; 33, ditto, paratype, slide GEL 1136; 34, S. basistrigella Huemer, slide GEL 1139; 35, S. triglavica Povolný, para-
type, slide Mus. Vind. 11202.
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CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
Description. Adult (Fig. 4). Head cream-coloured; labial palpus cream-coloured, with brown mottling on outer
surface, tip of segment three darker brown; antenna blackish brown; thorax and abdomen light grey-brown, mixed
with some rusty-brown. Wingspan 15.0–17.0 mm; forewing light brownish grey, rusty brown along fold and in
medial part of the forewing, indistinct angulate light grey fascia at 4/5; black markings: dash in fold, subcostal spot
at 2/5 and angulated spot at 3/5 in middle of forewing, furthermore some black mottling at base and along costa,
termen with black dots; fringes concolorous with ground colour, weakly defined fringe line present; hindwing light
grey with concolorous fringes. Female unknown.
Male genitalia (Figs 14, 28–29). Uncus with evenly rounded apex; gnathos hook strong, culcitula large; tegu-
men anteriorly widened, broadly and deeply emarginated anterior margin; pedunculi long, slender; valva long,
slender, extending almost to apex of uncus, almost straight; sacculus shorter than valva, evenly tapered to apical
point, basally without lobe; vinculum deeply emarginated with pair of long, forked processes; primary process
basally broad, distal half needle-shaped, almost level with apex of sacculus; secondary process stiletto-shaped,
about one-half length of distal half of primary process, arising at acute angle of about 60° from basal half of pri-
mary process, distal half with weakly serrated inner margin; saccus slightly shorter than primary vincular process,
slender sub-rectangular with cut-off apex; anellus with pair of small, rounded, centrally perforated sclerites; phallus
slender, nearly straight, without medial projection, coecum weakly inflated, apex with curved sclerotized arm.
Female genitalia. Unknown.
Diagnosis. Sattleria cottiella sp. nov. is externally very similar to other small species in the genus, particularly
S. izoardi, S. marguareisi and S. pyrenaica which are on average smaller with 14.0–16.0 mm (S. izoardi), 15.0–16.0
mm (S. marguareisi) and 16.0 mm (S. pyrenaica) respectively. It differs from these taxa in its peculiar forked vin-
cular processes: S. pyrenaica has a shorter and broader primary process and a broader secondary process which
arises from the former at a right angle (Fig. 13); S. izoardi has a longer primary process and a distinctly longer sec-
ondary process of about 2/3 length of distal half of the former and arising from it at an acute angle of about 30°
(Figs 15, 30–31); finally S. marguareisi differs in the unforked vincular processes replaced by a suboval secondary
lobe (Fig. 16). Intraspecific divergence at COI is absent (n=5), whereas mean interspecific divergence is 1.91% to
the nearest neighbour (S. marguareisi).
Bionomics. Host-plants and early stages are unknown. The adults have been collected from late July to early
August in the first half of the night at light. Habitats are alpine scree and rock formations on limestone with sparse
vegetation at elevations from about 2400 m to 2500 m.
Distribution. Only known from the southern part of the Cottian Alps (Prov. Cuneo, Italy), in a limited area in
the surroundings of Colle Fauniera—Colle Valvacera.
Etymology. The specific name derives from the Ligurian prince Cottius, referring to the distribution area of
this species, the Cottian Alps.
Remarks. S. cottiella sp. nov. was initially misidentified as S. izoardi on external appearance, but its status as
a distinct species was first revealed by DNA barcoding and subsequently confirmed by detailed morphological
analysis. Pl. 20, Fig. 205c in Huemer and Karsholt (2010) refers to the new species and has to be corrected accord-
ingly.
Sattleria graiaeella sp. nov.
(Figs 6, 17, 32–33)
Type material. Holotype , ‘Valle d´Aosta Champrocher Dondena sent. Mt. Rascias 2650 m ca. 21.VII.2006 G.
Baldizzone leg.’ ‘G JN 20934 Sattleria triglavica’ ‘BC TLMF Lep 1083’ (TLMF).
Paratypes. Italy: 1 , same data, but Dondena—Chila Desot, 2370-2450 m, 20.7.2006 (RCGB); 1 , same
data, but Dondena—Miserin, 2300-2450 m, 19.7.2006 (RCGB); 1 , Prov. Aosta, Cogne, Lago di Loje, 2400 m,
8.7.1961, leg. Klimesch (ZSM); 4 , Prov. Aosta, PN Gran Paradiso, Lago Serrú, 2275, 6.8.1992, leg. Delmastro,
gen. slides GEL 1135, GEL 1136 (TLMF).
Excluded from the type-series: Material published by Pitkin and Sattler (1991) (see Remarks).
Description. Adult (Fig. 6). Head whitish cream, labial palpus whitish cream mottled with mid-brown; antenna
blackish brown; thorax mid-brown, mottled with some whitish scales anteriorly, abdomen mid-brown. Wingspan
16.5–18.5 mm; forewing ground colour light cream-brown, intensively mottled whitish cream, mid-brown along
costa; black markings well developed: broad black stripe through fold, angulated dash in middle of forewing at end
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16 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
of cell and few black scales near base of forewing, termen with dark brown line; fringes concolorous with ground
colour, weakly defined fringe line present; hindwing light grey with concolorous fringes. Female unknown.
Male genitalia (Figs 17, 32–33). Uncus with evenly rounded apex; gnathos hook strong, culcitula large; tegu-
men anteriorly widened, broadly and deeply emarginated anterior margin; pedunculi long, slender; valva long,
slender, extending almost to apex of uncus, weakly curved; sacculus shorter than valva, medially broadened with
slightly concave outer margin, abruptly tapered to short apical part; vinculum deeply emarginated with pair of
processes; primary process long and needle-shaped, about level with apex of sacculus; secondary process arising
from basal half of primary process, extremely broad based, outer edge broadly concave and serrated; saccus about
length of primary vincular process, slender sub-rectangular with cut-off apex; anellus with pair of small, rounded,
centrally perforated sclerites; phallus slender, nearly straight, with distinct medial projection, coecum scarcely
inflated, apex with short and straight sclerotized arm.
Female genitalia. Not examined. It is likely that the female of the so-called south-western form of S. basistri-
gella from Savoie figured by Pitkin and Sattler (1991) in fact belongs to S. graiaeella sp. nov. (see Remarks).
Diagnosis. Sattleria graiaeella sp. nov. is externally similar to S. basistrigella and S. triglavica differing in the
slightly smaller wingspan (16.5–18.5 mm versus 19.0-20.0 mm). However, the male genitalia of the new species
are characterized by a distinct medial process of the phallus (Fig. 17) absent in the related species (Figs 19–20).
The secondary process of the vinculum is large and almost evenly convex with serrated edge and thus distinct from
both afore-mentioned taxa (Figs 32–35). The furthermore similar S. dzieduszyckii is distinguished by the evenly
tapered sacculus and the different shape of the secondary vincular process (Fig. 18). No measure of intraspecific
variation was possible as only a single individual was analyzed, but interspecific divergence was 2.98% to the near-
est neighbour (S. breviramus). The minimal sequence distance to the allegedly conspecific S. basistrigella is
3.27%.
Bionomics. Host-plants and early stages are unknown. The adults have been collected from the end of June to
mid-August. Habitats are alpine scree and rock formations primarily on limestone but also on siliceous soil with
sparse vegetation at elevations ranging from about 2200 m to 2800 m.
Distribution. Only known from a small section of the western Alps, ranging from the Alpi Graie (Prov. Aosta,
Italy) to Savoie (France).
Etymology. The species is named after the Roman province Alpes Graiae, the distribution area of the species.
Remarks. S. graiaeella sp. nov. was hitherto considered as a geographical form of S. basistrigella representing
this species in the south-western Alps (Pitkin and Sattler 1991). The male genitalia figured by these authors leave
no doubt about their conspecificity with the new species. We have not been able to examine this material which is
therefore not included in the type-series. Particularly the females originating from a different locality than the
males should be re-examined.
Sattleria basistrigella Huemer, 1997, bona sp., stat. rev.
(Figs 7, 20, 34)
Gelechia dzieduszykii [sic] f. basistrigella Müller-Rutz, 1934: 121, pl. 1, fig. 7; unavailable, infrasubspecific.
Sattleria triglavica basistrigella Huemer, 1997: 286, figs 1–2, 5.
Description. Adult (Fig. 7). Head cream, labial palpus cream, mottled with mid-brown; antenna blackish brown;
thorax and abdomen mid-brown. Wingspan 19.0–20.0 mm; forewing ground colour light cream-brown, inten-
sively mottled whitish cream, mid-brown along costa; irregular dark brown transverse band at 3/4; black markings
well developed: broad black stripe through fold, angulated dash in middle of forewing at end of cell and few black
scales near base of forewing, termen with several black spots; fringes concolorous with ground colour, weakly
defined fringe line present; hindwing light grey with concolorous fringes. Female brachypterous (see Huemer and
Karsholt 2010).
Male genitalia (Figs 20, 34). Uncus with evenly rounded apex; gnathos hook strong, culcitula moderate; tegu-
men anteriorly widened, broadly and deeply emarginated anterior margin; pedunculi long, slender; valva long,
slender, shorter than uncus, weakly curved; sacculus shorter than valva, medially broadened with slightly concave
outer margin, abruptly tapered to short apical part; vinculum deeply emarginated with pair of processes; primary
process long and needle-shaped, about level with apex of sacculus; secondary process arising from basal half of
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CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
primary process, broad based, outer edge sub-rectangular, without serration; saccus shorter than primary vincular
process, slender, sub-rectangular with cut-off apex; anellus with pair of small, rounded, centrally perforated scler-
ites; phallus slender, nearly straight, without medial projection, coecum scarcely inflated, apex with short and
straight sclerotized arm.
Female genitalia. See Pitkin and Sattler (1991: fig. 59) and Huemer and Karsholt (2010).
Diagnosis. Sattleria basistrigella is externally similar to S. graiaeella sp. nov. and S. triglavica which were
hitherto considered conspecific. It differs from the former by its larger wingspan (19.0-20.0 mm versus 16.5–18.5
mm) and from the latter in the more distinct transverse band of the forewing. Another similar species, S. brevira-
mus, differs in the black base of the forewing costa. Highly diagnostic characters are found in the male genitalia
which differ from all related species particularly in the distinctly smaller and sub-rectangular secondary process of
the vinculum (Figs 20, 34) which is large and convex in all other Sattleria species (Figs 17–19, 32–33, 35). The
females of formerly mixed taxa are either unknown (S. triglavica) or their identity remains doutbful (S. graiaeella
sp. nov.). The COI data indicate significant divergence with mean distances to other species of Sattleria ranging
from a low of 2.98% (S. breviramus) to 5.32%. The maximum intraspecific divergence detected was 0.85% (n=5).
Bionomics. The larva was observed in July feeding on Silene acaulis (L.) Jacqu., and living in a silken tube
hidden inside cushions of the host-plant (Pitkin and Sattler 1991). The adults are on the wing from July to August,
while laboratory-reared specimens emerged from late September to early October indicating plasticity in phenol-
ogy. Habitats are alpine scree and rock formations primarily on siliceous soil with sparse vegetation at elevations
ranging from about 2400 m to above 3000 m.
Distribution. Only known from the Pennine Alps in the southern part of the Valais (Switzerland). The single
male record of this subspecies from the Italian Dolomites (Pitkin and Sattler 1991) was re-examined by us. It is
based on a traditional male slide and important characters of the genitalia needed to confirm its identity are nearly
invisible.
Remarks. Müller-Rutz (1934) introduced basistrigella as an infrasubspecific name and only recently the taxon
was validated and formally re-described as S. triglavica basistrigella (Huemer 1997).
Molecular data
The full 658 bp barcode region was obtained from 43 of 65 voucher specimens and three additional sequences were
>590bp. In addition, a 307 bp section of the barcode region was obtained from five specimens including the only
two individuals of S. arcuata. Intraspecific divergence ranged from 0%–2.34% with a mean divergence of 0.84%
(Tab. 1). Intraspecific divergences only exceeded 1% in two out of eight species while interspecific divergences
ranged from 1.91–6.30% with a mean of 4.63% (Tab. 2).
TABLE 1. Sattleria: Intraspecific mean K2P (Kimura 2-Parameter) divergences and maximum pairwise distances based on the
analysis of COI fragments (>500 bp).
mean divergence maximal distance sample size
S. melaleucella 1.10% 1.87% 15
S. pyrenaica --1
S. karsholti 0.00% 0.00% 2
S. cottiella 0.00% 0.00% 5
S. marguareisi 0.00% 0.00% 3
S. izoardi 0.10% 0.15% 4
S. graiaeella --1
S. dzieduszyckii --1
S. triglavica --1
S. basistrigella 0.32% 0.85% 6
S. breviramus 0.12% 0.31% 5
S. styriaca 2.34% 2.34% 2
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TABLE 2. Sattleria: Interspecific mean K2P (Kimura 2-Parameter) divergences (mean pairwise distances) based on the analy-
sis of COI fragments (>500 bp).
Discussion
The taxonomy of Sattleria is one of the most controversial topics in alpine lepidopterology with past views ranging
from a single widespread, highly polymorphic species (Povolný 2001, 2002) to 11 species with partially sympatric
distributions (Huemer and Sattler 1992, Pitkin and Sattler 1991). Huemer and Karsholt (2010) accepted the latter
conclusion basing species discrimination mainly on diagnostic characters of genitalia and partially on differences
in external morphology of the adults in traits such as size and wing markings. The present DNA barcode results not
only support the validity of species in that study, but suggest the existence of several cryptic species in Sattleria.
The genetic variation in Sattleria is divided into two main lineages, one including separate the widespread Alpine-
Apenninic S. melaleucella and the Pyrenean S. pyrenaica and S. arcuata (based on a 307 bp fragment), and the
other comprising the rest of the species (Fig. 36). The considerable interspecific divergence in S. melaleucella is
remarkable, with a mean pairwise distance from 4.31% to 5.53% (Tab. 2) to other species with full-length bar-
codes. Moreover, all these taxa are well separated by male (and, where known, by female) genitalia features and
partially by characters of the habitus. In the Alps S. melaleucella shares its habitats with at least 5 out of 10 species:
S. cottiella sp. nov., S. marguareisi, S. izoardi, S. breviramus and S. basistrigella and furthermore sympatric occur-
rence with S. graiaeella sp. nov. and S. styriaca seems possible from distribution patterns (Map 2). A similar situa-
tion has been documented from the Pyrénées for S. pyrenaica which flies together with S. arcuata at Pic du Midi de
Bigorre (Hautes-Pyrénées, France) and S. angustispina at Mont Canigou (Pyrénées Orientales). The mean pairwise
genetic distance between the former two species of 2.77% (although based on partial barcode sequences), supports
morphological characters which are substantial enough to indicate species status (Pitkin and Sattler 1991).
The second major genetic lineage of Sattleria includes the majority of the taxa, with eight morphologically
separated species from the Alps, S. triglavica from Montenegro and S. dzieduszyckii from the Carpathian Moun-
tains (Fig. 36). All alpine taxa have limited distributions, occurring only in allopatry (Map 2). The south-western
Alps are particularly rich in species with six regional or local endemics, whereas only one additional species occurs
in the southern Alps and two in the eastern Alps. Genetic distances among these taxa are substantial with mean
interspecific divergences ranging from 1.99% to 6.22% (Tab. 2). Distances are lowest between species pairs from
the south-western and southern Alps with divergences roughly ranging from 2–3%. Results of our molecular anal-
syes largely correspond with earlier morphologically based species concepts and support the specific status of all
S. melaleucella
S. pyrenaica
S. karsholti
S. cottiella
S. marguareisi
S. izoardi
S. graiaeella
S. dzieduszyckii
S. triglavica
S. basistrigella
S. breviramus
S. styriaca
S. melaleucella
S. pyrenaica 4.67%
S. karsholti 4.42% 4.95%
S. cottiella 5.33% 5.63% 2.82%
S. marguareisi 5.24% 5.20% 2.37% 1.99%
S. izoardi 5.53% 4.87% 3.39% 2.42% 2.20%
S. graiaeella 5.36% 5.96% 4.44% 5.28% 4.85% 6.22%
S. dzieduszyckii 5.26% 5.77% 2.47% 2.81% 2.81% 3.41% 4.63%
S. triglavica 4.31% 5.28% 4.93% 5.61% 5.77% 6.54% 4.45% 6.10%
S. basistrigella 5.32% 5.27% 4.38% 4.19% 4.06% 4.81% 3.58% 4.52% 4.86%
S. breviramus 4.74% 5.29% 4.11% 4.78% 4.15% 5.53% 2.98% 4.34% 3.96% 3.62%
S. styriaca 5.12% 5.10% 4.67% 4.68% 4.39% 5.43% 4.28% 4.94% 4.94% 3.57% 3.63%
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CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
FIGURE 36. Neighbour joining tree of the Sattleria (Kimura 2 Parameter) based on sequences of the mtDNA COI gene (bar-
code fragment 5’, 658 bp), except for S. arcuata (307 bp) and S. dzieduszyckii (623 bp).
HUEMER & HEBERT
20 · Zootaxa 2981 © 2011 Magnolia Press
formerly described taxa. Furthermore they provided evidence for three overlooked species: S. cottiella sp. nov., S.
graiaeella sp. nov. and S. karsholti sp. nov. Whereas the latter two had been suspected as possible species (Pitkin
and Sattler 1991), the former was completely overlooked although it clearly differs from its relatives in genitalia
characters. S. karsholti sp. nov. shows a particularly high mean divergence (4.22%) from S. melaleucella, the spe-
cies with which it was formerly united (Pitkin and Sattler 1991). Similarly, the considerable mean pairwise distance
(3.58%) between S. graiaeella sp. nov. and S. basistrigella combined with morphological traits clearly indicates
two well separated species. The third species hitherto treated as conspecifc with S. basistrigella, the morphologi-
cally weakly separated S. triglavica, is well separate in the barcode from these taxa by a mean pairwise distance of
6.54% and 4.86% respectively.
Despite the well supported species discrimination by both morphology and barcodes, several taxonomic ques-
tions remain unresolved. Intraspecific genetic divergences are usually low and range from 0.0% to < 1%, or diver-
gence is insufficiently known due to the lack of enough material for barcoding. The few exceptions deserve more
detailed investigation as they may involve further cases of cryptic diversity (Tab. 1). S. melaleucella includes sev-
eral distinct haplotypes with moderate genetic divergence, as indicated by a mean intraspecific divergence of
1.10% and a maximal distance of 1.87% (Tab. 1). This species is well known for its considerable geographic varia-
tion (Pitkin and Sattler 1991). Form “A” from the north-eastern part of the range (Austria, eastern Switzerland) is
usually larger and more uniformly dark than specimens of form “B” from the south-western Alps (western Switzer-
land, Italy, France). Male genitalia of these two forms are similar (Figs 9–10, depicting specimens from France and
Austria respectively), though Pitkin and Sattler (1991) found a tendency for the secondary vincular process to be
slightly broader and directed laterally rather than posteriorly in form “A” compared with “B”. Furthermore, the
females of both forms seem to differ slightly in genitalia. Resolution of their taxonomic status is complicated by the
presence of intermediate forms. Sequence variation at COI is at least partially correlated with the distribution of
morphological variation, as it separates western alpine populations and those from the Abruzzi Mountains from
those of the north-eastern Alps (Fig. 36). Within both lineages divergence is comparatively high with >1% distance
between Central Italy, south-eastern Switzerland and the south-western Alps or 1.4% divergence between a single
specimens barcoded from Salzburg and others from Vorarlberg (Austria). Genetic variability was even considerable
within single populations as four voucher specimens from Marguareis (Dep. Alpes-Maritimes, France) showed a
maximum distance of 0.62%. S. styriaca also showed high intraspecific genetic divergence (2.34%) with no mor-
phological differentiation. This species has a range that extends along the limestone ridge of the north-eastern-Alps
of Austria similar to that of other north-eastern alpine endemics (Huemer 1998). In contrast the distribution area of
a highly isolated population in the south-eastern Alps (Zirbitzkogel, Styria, Austria) is well known for differences
in endemism compared with the North. Further examples probably reflecting persistent glacial isolation in this part
of the Alps include e.g. Colostygia austriacaria gremmingeri Schawerda, 1942 (Geometridae) and Elophos zir-
bitzensis (Pieszczek, 1902) (Geometridae) (Huemer 2009). Similarly elevated intraspecific genetic divergences
without correlated morphological differentiation have been interpreted in the high alpine genus Sciadia (Geometri-
dae) as reflecting increased nucleotide substitutions in response to the stress of high alpine habitat isolation (Hue-
mer and Hausmann 2009).
Similar to many other alpine organisms, the evolution of Sattleria was strongly influenced by the cyclic change
of colder and warmer periods during the Pleistocene (Haubrich and Schmitt 2007, Varga and Schmitt 2008).
Whereas widely distributed arctic-alpine species, e.g. Zygaena exulans (Hohenwarth, 1792), probably survived
glaciation in glacial steppes, particularly between the ice shields in the North and the mountains of the South
(Schmitt and Hewitt 2004), species of Sattleria probably had more disjunct distribution patterns with increasing
isolation and differentiation provoked by the early quaternary climatic crisis. Similar disjunct distributions are
known in several alpine Lepidoptera with high mobility and no wing reduction in either sex, e.g. in the genus Ere-
bia (Schmitt et al. 2006, Sonderegger 2005). Different refugia may have been a consequence and have to be con-
sidered for each taxonomic lineage. A somewhat similar diversification pattern occurs in the high alpine,
brachypterous genus Sphaleroptera (Whitebread 2007) as it includes several partially sympatric taxa showing high
interspecific divergence at COI (P. Huemer, pers. obs.).
While the timing of diversification in Sattleria remains uncertain, the congruent phylogeographic patterns in
other Lepidoptera (e.g. Erebia, Melitaea) clearly indicate the role of climatic oscillations during the Quarternary on
population isolation and differentiation (Albre et al. 2008, Leneveu et al. 2009). Estimations of average substitu-
tion rates for COI indicate that divergences of 1.0–2.5% correspond to divergence times of roughly one million
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CRYPTIC DIVERSITY OF SATTLERIA (LEPIDOPTERA)
years (Hausmann et al. 2011, Kandul et al. 2004). Accordingly, the major lineages of Sattleria likely diversified
from 1–6 mya (see Table 2). However, possible variation in substitution rates, and the likely presence of sequence
variation at the onset of the Pleistocene adds uncertainty to this estimate. It seems likely that first divergence of Sat-
tleria began in the lower Pliocene (5.3 mya–1.8 mya), and was reinforced by climatic oscillations in the late Plio-
cene and during the Pleistocene. The evidence for regional sequence variation in S. melaleucella suggests that
populations of this species survived glaciation in situ in the Alps (and Apennines) leading to a remarkable genetic
differentiation. Similar patterns have been detected in other alpine organisms, including endemic plants (Tribsch et
al. 2002, Schönswetter et al. 2003) and Lepidoptera (Huemer and Hausmann 2009). The gene flow between popu-
lations of S. melaleucella was probably only partially interrupted by interglacial or postglacial disjunctions to
higher mountain systems leading to several geographically separated haplotypes within this widespread species.
The separation of southern alpine populations of Sattleria from a common ancestor most likely was driven by the
climatically induced disjunction of populations found in unglaciated massifs near the southern border of the Alps.
Female brachyptery and flightlessness combined with isolation of these mountain systems strongly reduced disper-
sal, and thereby disrupted gene flow. Differentiation centres persisted in the foothills of these mountains throughout
the Pleistocene and populations simply shifted their elevational range in response to climate change, avoiding the
need for long distance re-colonization (Schmitt 2007). The warmer temperatures in the southern Alps may have
reduced generation times, producing higher divergence values, whereas populations of S. melaleucella in the Cen-
tral and northern Alps likely encountered less favourable conditions, reducing the number of generations and levels
of divergencce. However, the sympatric occurrence of local endemics together with widespread species (S. mela-
leucella and S. pyrenaica) likely reflects the re-colonization of the shared habitat by one or both species over short
distances or by the occupancy of different ecological niches. For example, the species pair S. marguareisi and S.
melaleucella probably consume different host-plants (Huemer and Sattler 1992). The future expansion of molecu-
lar data sets to include data for nuclear genes will be crucial in the resolution of the numerous questions that are
currently unresolved.
Acknowledgements
We are most grateful to the following colleagues for the loan and/or donation of valuable material and information:
Dr. Giorgio Baldizzone (Asti, Italy), Ruedi Bryner (Biel, Switzerland), Dr. Gianni Delmastro (Carmagnola, Italy),
Dr. Sabine Gaal-Haszler (Vienna, Austria), Dr. Theo Grünewald (Landshut, Germany), Dr. Axel Hausmann
(ZSM), Dr. Jacques Nel (La Ciotat, France), Dr. Matthias Nuss (Dresden, Germany), Toni Mayr (Feldkirch, Aus-
tria), Norbert Pöll (Bad Ischl, Austria), Dr. Klaus Sattler (London, UK), Dr. Andreas Segerer (ZSM), Peter Son-
deregger (Brügg, Switzerland) and Dr. Christian Wieser (Klagenfurt, Austria).
Dr. Axel Hausmann (ZSM), Ole Karsholt (ZMUC) and Dr. Marko Mutanen (Oulu, Finland) kindly commented
on an earlier draft of the manuscript. Furthermore the comments received by editor and two referees are acknowl-
edged.
We are very grateful to the team at the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding (Guelph, Canada) whose sequenc-
ing work was enabled by funding from the Government of Canada to Genome Canada through the Ontario Genom-
ics Institute. We are also grateful to the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation and to NSERC for their
support of the BOLD informatics platform. We also thank Stefan Heim (TLMF) for photographs of the adults and
genitalia, and to Mag. Hannes Kühtreiber (TLMF) for the arrangement of the maps.
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