The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphe... more The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphex semiaurata Linnaeus, 1761 has been controversial. After type examinations, we conclude that it is identical with the common Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806 and thus re-establish the old synonymy: Cleptes semiauratus (Linnaeus, 1761) (=Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806, syn. reinst.). We have been unable to find an available name for the species with which it has been confused. In order to be able to designate a suitable type specimen, we prefer to describe it as a new species rather than suggest a replacement name: Cleptes striatipleuris Rosa, Forshage, Paukkunen & Soon sp. nov. (=Cleptes semiauratus sensu Lepeletier, 1806, nec Linnaeus, 1761; =C. splendens sensu Linsenmaier 1959, nec Fabricius, 1798).
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
The Chrysididae are a group of cleptoparasitic and parasitoid aculeate wasps with a large number ... more The Chrysididae are a group of cleptoparasitic and parasitoid aculeate wasps with a large number of rare and endangered species. The taxonomy of this group has long been confusing due to the similarity of species and extensive intraspecific variation. We present for the first time a comprehensive dichotomous key for all 74 species found in the Nordic and Baltic countries. In addition to diagnostic characters, information on the distribution and biology of each species is also presented. A new species, Chrysis borealis Paukkunen, Ødegaard & Soon, sp. n. is described on the basis of specimens collected from Fennoscandia. Chrysis gracillima Förster, 1853 is recorded as new to the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
Raekunnas, M., Teräs, I., Viitasaari, M. & Vikberg, V. 2009. Havaintoja Suomelle uusista, hävinne... more Raekunnas, M., Teräs, I., Viitasaari, M. & Vikberg, V. 2009. Havaintoja Suomelle uusista, hävinneistä, uhanalaisista ja silmälläpidettävistä myrkky-ja sahapistiäislajeista. [Records of new and redlisted aculeate wasps, ants, bees and sawflies from Finland.] � �a�lber�ia ������ ����. �el� � �a�lber�ia ������ ����. �el� � �a�lber�ia ������ ����. �elsinki, Finland, I��N ��37�3�73. Twenty-four species and one subspecies of Hymenoptera Aculeata and Symphyta are recorded new to t�e Finnis� fauna� t�e cuckoo wasps Chrysis corusca Valkeila, Chrysis insperata Chevrier, Chrysis leptomandibularis Nie�uis and Chrysis mediata Linsenmaier �s. str.�, t�e ants Myrmica vandeli Bondroit and Lasius sabularum �Bon-droit�, t�e spider wasp Arachnospila alvarabnormis Wolf, the digger wasps Psenulus schencki �Tournier�, Pemphredon mortifer Valkeila and Crabro ingricus �F. Morawitz�, the bees Hylaeus paulus Bridwell, Andrena bluethgeni Stoeckhert, Halictus leucaheneus Ebmer, Osmia bicolor ��c�rank�, Osmia bicornis �Linnaeus�, Osmia svenssoni Tkalců, Coelioxys alata Förster, Nomada ferruginata �Linnaeus� and Nomada succincta Panzer, and t�e sawflies Tenthredo temula Scopoli, Macrophya teutona �Pan-zer�, Cladius ulmi �Linnaeus�, Hoplocampa flava �Linnaeus�, Hoplocampa fulvicornis �Panzer� and Paranematus wahlbergi wahlbergi �T�omson�. Additionally, new records of 8� redlisted aculeate and sawfly species are �iven. Juho Paukkunen,
The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphex semiaurata Linnaeus, 1761 has been controversial. Afte... more The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphex semiaurata Linnaeus, 1761 has been controversial. After type examinations, we conclude that it is identical with the common Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806 and thus re-establish the old synonymy: Cleptes semiauratus (Linnaeus, 1761) (=Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806, syn. reinst.). We have been unable to find an available name for the species with which it has been confused. In order to be able to designate a suitable type specimen, we prefer to describe it as a new species rather than suggest a replacement name: Cleptes striatipleuris Rosa, Forshage, Paukkunen & Soon sp. nov. (=Cleptes semiauratus sensu Lepeletier, 1806, nec Linnaeus, 1761; =C. splendens sensu Linsenmaier 1959, nec Fabricius, 1798).
Citation: Paukkunen J, Berg A, Soon V, Ødegaard F, Rosa P (2015) An illustrated key to the cuckoo... more Citation: Paukkunen J, Berg A, Soon V, Ødegaard F, Rosa P (2015) An illustrated key to the cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) of the Nordic and Baltic countries, with description of a new species. ZooKeys 548: 1-116.
Twenty-four species and one subspecies of Hymenoptera Aculeata and Symphyta are recorded new to t... more Twenty-four species and one subspecies of Hymenoptera Aculeata and Symphyta are recorded new to the Finnish fauna: the cuckoo wasps Chrysis corusca Valkeila, Chrysis insperata Chevrier, Chrysis leptomandibularis Niehuis and Chrysis mediata Linsenmaier (s. str.), the ants Myrmica vandeli Bondroit and Lasius sabularum (Bondroit), the spider wasp Arachnospila alvarabnormis Wolf, the digger wasps Psenulus schencki (Tournier), Pemphredon mortifer Valkeila and Crabro ingricus (F. Morawitz), the bees Hylaeus paulus Bridwell, Andrena bluethgeni Stoeckhert, Halictus leucaheneus Ebmer, Osmia bicolor (S chrank), Osmia bicornis (Linnaeus), Osmia svenssoni Tkalců, Coelioxys alata Förster, Nomada ferruginata (Linnaeus) and Nomada succincta Panzer, and the sawflies Tenthredo temula Scopoli, Macrophya teutona (Panzer), Cladius ulmi (Linnaeus), Hoplocampa flava (Linnaeus), Hoplocampa fulvicornis (Panzer) and Paranematus wahlbergi wahlbergi (Thomson). Additionally, new records of 82 redlisted aculeat...
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indica... more Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indicator of the vertebrate grazing intensity and successional age. Á Oikos 115: 401 Á412.
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indica... more Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indicator of the vertebrate grazing intensity and successional age. Á Oikos 115: 401 Á412.
Metapopulation theory predicts that species richness and total population density of habitat spec... more Metapopulation theory predicts that species richness and total population density of habitat specialists increase with increasing area and regional connectivity of the habitat. To test these predictions, we examined the relative contributions of habitat patch area, connectivity of the regional habitat network and local habitat quality to species richness and total density of butterflies and day-active moths inhabiting semi-natural grasslands. We studied butterflies and moths in 48 replicate landscapes situated in southwest Finland, including a focal patch and the surrounding network of other semi-natural grasslands within a radius of 1.5 km from the focal patch. By applying the method of hierarchical partitioning, which can distinguish between independent and joint contributions of individual explanatory variables, we observed that variables of the local habitat quality (e.g. mean vegetation height and nectar plant abundance) generally showed the highest independent effect on specie...
The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphe... more The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphex semiaurata Linnaeus, 1761 has been controversial. After type examinations, we conclude that it is identical with the common Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806 and thus re-establish the old synonymy: Cleptes semiauratus (Linnaeus, 1761) (=Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806, syn. reinst.). We have been unable to find an available name for the species with which it has been confused. In order to be able to designate a suitable type specimen, we prefer to describe it as a new species rather than suggest a replacement name: Cleptes striatipleuris Rosa, Forshage, Paukkunen & Soon sp. nov. (=Cleptes semiauratus sensu Lepeletier, 1806, nec Linnaeus, 1761; =C. splendens sensu Linsenmaier 1959, nec Fabricius, 1798).
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
The Chrysididae are a group of cleptoparasitic and parasitoid aculeate wasps with a large number ... more The Chrysididae are a group of cleptoparasitic and parasitoid aculeate wasps with a large number of rare and endangered species. The taxonomy of this group has long been confusing due to the similarity of species and extensive intraspecific variation. We present for the first time a comprehensive dichotomous key for all 74 species found in the Nordic and Baltic countries. In addition to diagnostic characters, information on the distribution and biology of each species is also presented. A new species, Chrysis borealis Paukkunen, Ødegaard & Soon, sp. n. is described on the basis of specimens collected from Fennoscandia. Chrysis gracillima Förster, 1853 is recorded as new to the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
Raekunnas, M., Teräs, I., Viitasaari, M. & Vikberg, V. 2009. Havaintoja Suomelle uusista, hävinne... more Raekunnas, M., Teräs, I., Viitasaari, M. & Vikberg, V. 2009. Havaintoja Suomelle uusista, hävinneistä, uhanalaisista ja silmälläpidettävistä myrkky-ja sahapistiäislajeista. [Records of new and redlisted aculeate wasps, ants, bees and sawflies from Finland.] � �a�lber�ia ������ ����. �el� � �a�lber�ia ������ ����. �el� � �a�lber�ia ������ ����. �elsinki, Finland, I��N ��37�3�73. Twenty-four species and one subspecies of Hymenoptera Aculeata and Symphyta are recorded new to t�e Finnis� fauna� t�e cuckoo wasps Chrysis corusca Valkeila, Chrysis insperata Chevrier, Chrysis leptomandibularis Nie�uis and Chrysis mediata Linsenmaier �s. str.�, t�e ants Myrmica vandeli Bondroit and Lasius sabularum �Bon-droit�, t�e spider wasp Arachnospila alvarabnormis Wolf, the digger wasps Psenulus schencki �Tournier�, Pemphredon mortifer Valkeila and Crabro ingricus �F. Morawitz�, the bees Hylaeus paulus Bridwell, Andrena bluethgeni Stoeckhert, Halictus leucaheneus Ebmer, Osmia bicolor ��c�rank�, Osmia bicornis �Linnaeus�, Osmia svenssoni Tkalců, Coelioxys alata Förster, Nomada ferruginata �Linnaeus� and Nomada succincta Panzer, and t�e sawflies Tenthredo temula Scopoli, Macrophya teutona �Pan-zer�, Cladius ulmi �Linnaeus�, Hoplocampa flava �Linnaeus�, Hoplocampa fulvicornis �Panzer� and Paranematus wahlbergi wahlbergi �T�omson�. Additionally, new records of 8� redlisted aculeate and sawfly species are �iven. Juho Paukkunen,
The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphex semiaurata Linnaeus, 1761 has been controversial. Afte... more The interpretation of Linnaeus' name Sphex semiaurata Linnaeus, 1761 has been controversial. After type examinations, we conclude that it is identical with the common Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806 and thus re-establish the old synonymy: Cleptes semiauratus (Linnaeus, 1761) (=Cleptes pallipes Lepeletier, 1806, syn. reinst.). We have been unable to find an available name for the species with which it has been confused. In order to be able to designate a suitable type specimen, we prefer to describe it as a new species rather than suggest a replacement name: Cleptes striatipleuris Rosa, Forshage, Paukkunen & Soon sp. nov. (=Cleptes semiauratus sensu Lepeletier, 1806, nec Linnaeus, 1761; =C. splendens sensu Linsenmaier 1959, nec Fabricius, 1798).
Citation: Paukkunen J, Berg A, Soon V, Ødegaard F, Rosa P (2015) An illustrated key to the cuckoo... more Citation: Paukkunen J, Berg A, Soon V, Ødegaard F, Rosa P (2015) An illustrated key to the cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) of the Nordic and Baltic countries, with description of a new species. ZooKeys 548: 1-116.
Twenty-four species and one subspecies of Hymenoptera Aculeata and Symphyta are recorded new to t... more Twenty-four species and one subspecies of Hymenoptera Aculeata and Symphyta are recorded new to the Finnish fauna: the cuckoo wasps Chrysis corusca Valkeila, Chrysis insperata Chevrier, Chrysis leptomandibularis Niehuis and Chrysis mediata Linsenmaier (s. str.), the ants Myrmica vandeli Bondroit and Lasius sabularum (Bondroit), the spider wasp Arachnospila alvarabnormis Wolf, the digger wasps Psenulus schencki (Tournier), Pemphredon mortifer Valkeila and Crabro ingricus (F. Morawitz), the bees Hylaeus paulus Bridwell, Andrena bluethgeni Stoeckhert, Halictus leucaheneus Ebmer, Osmia bicolor (S chrank), Osmia bicornis (Linnaeus), Osmia svenssoni Tkalců, Coelioxys alata Förster, Nomada ferruginata (Linnaeus) and Nomada succincta Panzer, and the sawflies Tenthredo temula Scopoli, Macrophya teutona (Panzer), Cladius ulmi (Linnaeus), Hoplocampa flava (Linnaeus), Hoplocampa fulvicornis (Panzer) and Paranematus wahlbergi wahlbergi (Thomson). Additionally, new records of 82 redlisted aculeat...
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indica... more Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indicator of the vertebrate grazing intensity and successional age. Á Oikos 115: 401 Á412.
Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one o... more Containing more than a hundred species, the Chrysis ignita species group is the largest and one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in its genus. It has not been possible to resolve the taxonomy of the group using traditional methods due to the lack of robust diagnostic morphological characters. Here we present the results of a molecular analysis designed to delimit species in the Chrysis ignita group for the first time; using mitochondrial sequence data for 364 in-group specimens consisting of all 18 species known to occur in Northern Europe. Two mitochondrial loci were analysed: a COI gene fragment, and a continuous DNA sequence consisting of 16S rRNA, tRNA Val , 12S rRNA and ND4. Two approaches were employed for delimiting species: (1) genetic distance analysis based on the standard COI barcode sequences and; (2) phylogenetic analysis of the COI fragment together with rRNA genes. Both analyses yielded trees with similar topology, but support values for nodes were higher using the second approach. Fifteen species were distinguished in all analyses: and C. vanlithi Linsenmaier, 1959. The specific status of C. mediata Linsenmaier, 1951 and C. solida Haupt, 1957 was not resolved. Included unidentified specimens grouped in three clusters, two of which are distinctly delimited and apparently represent cryptic species. The specific status of the unidentified samples in the third cluster remained unclear. Moreover, our data suggest the existence of additional cryptic species currently lumped under the names C. pseudobrevitarsis C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968. In conclusion, our results derived from analysis of mitochondrial loci strongly support the specific status of the majority of currently recognised species in the Chrysis ignita species group, and suggest the existence of additional cryptic species in Northern Europe. Thus, considering the difficulties that often arise during species determination based on morphological characters, the mtDNA loci used here appear highly suitable for assisting species delimitation in this group as well as identification of specimens.
Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indica... more Different responses of plants and herbivore insects to a gradient of vegetation height: an indicator of the vertebrate grazing intensity and successional age. Á Oikos 115: 401 Á412.
Metapopulation theory predicts that species richness and total population density of habitat spec... more Metapopulation theory predicts that species richness and total population density of habitat specialists increase with increasing area and regional connectivity of the habitat. To test these predictions, we examined the relative contributions of habitat patch area, connectivity of the regional habitat network and local habitat quality to species richness and total density of butterflies and day-active moths inhabiting semi-natural grasslands. We studied butterflies and moths in 48 replicate landscapes situated in southwest Finland, including a focal patch and the surrounding network of other semi-natural grasslands within a radius of 1.5 km from the focal patch. By applying the method of hierarchical partitioning, which can distinguish between independent and joint contributions of individual explanatory variables, we observed that variables of the local habitat quality (e.g. mean vegetation height and nectar plant abundance) generally showed the highest independent effect on specie...
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