Morphological variability of Argynnis paphia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) across different environmental conditions in eastern Slovakia.

The contrasting habitats providing a heterogenous environment are considered to affect morphological traits of Lepidoptera due to their adaptability to various selection pressures under such conditions. The morphological and genetic variability of the butterfly Argynnis paphia (Nymphalidae) were studied with a focus on populations across different environments of the Western Carpathians. Male individuals were collected from five sites differing in elevation, type of bedrock, vegetation and climatic region. Morphometric analyses indicated significant variability in reproductive (genitalia width) and non-reproductive (forewing shape and size) traits. The most significant differences were recorded between the locality Bačová, representing the highest elevation, and other localities. The statistical analyses revealed the correlation of wing morphology with elevation, bedrock type and annual average temperature, while morphological differences of valvae structures were correlated with altitude. We concluded that size and shape of wings but also male genitalia vary among populations of A. paphia from different regions in response to environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]