| Title: | Eyespot variation in the meadow brown butterfly, Maniola jurtina (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in diverse climatic conditions |
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| Authors: | ID Klenovšek, Tina (Author)
ID Jakšić, Predrag (Author)
ID Janžekovič, Franc (Author) |
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| Files: |  RAZ_Klenovsek_Tina_2025.pdf (2,46 MB)
MD5: 71BC5497B064F66228F84375AD5EE88A
 https://doi.org/10.3390/d17100675
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Scientific work |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | FNM - Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
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| Abstract: | Eyespots are functionally complex and highly variable elements of butterfly wing patterns. The Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, is a classic model species studied for variation in eyespots as an index of evolutionary divergence and adaptation. However, the role of fine-scale ecogeographic conditions on eyespot variation remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined hindwing eyespot number, distribution, and combination patterns in male M. jurtina across climatically and topographically diverse north-western Balkans. Compared to the species average, males in this region displayed greater spottiness and phenotypic diversity. While the typical two-spot phenotype was dominant and stable, in some populations, three-spotted and even four-spotted males occurred at similar frequencies. Rare six-spotted individuals were recorded only at mountain localities above 1200 m. Geographic and climatic factors together influenced this variation: higher altitudes and cooler, thermally stable environments promoted increased eyespot number and greater phenotypic plasticity than warmer, more variable environments. This pattern contrasts with large-scale latitudinal trends previously described for the species, emphasizing the importance of local climatic heterogeneity. Our findings suggest the north-western Balkans as a possible transitional zone where environmental complexity promotes elevated eyespot variability, contributing to the understanding of adaptive morphological plasticity in M. jurtina. |
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| Keywords: | altitudinal variation, climatic gradients, morphological diversity, phenotypic plasticity, polymorphism, wing pattern variation |
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| Geographic coverage: | Balkanski polotok; |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Submitted for review: | 28.08.2025 |
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| Article acceptance date: | 25.09.2025 |
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| Publication date: | 26.09.2025 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2025 |
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| Number of pages: | 16 str. |
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| Numbering: | Letn. 17, št. 10, št. članka 675 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DKUM-95619  |
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| UDC: | 595.78 |
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| ISSN on article: | 1424-2818 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 251306243 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/d17100675 |
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| Publication date in DKUM: | 01.10.2025 |
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| Views: | 193 |
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| Downloads: | 7 |
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| Metadata: |    |
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| Categories: | Misc.
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