1
|
Fisher KE, Filandro A, Bradbury SP, Wanamaker A, Coates B. Breeding season temporal and spatial trends in continental-scale migration of the monarch butterfly. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:nvae076. [PMID: 39367735 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a vagile species that undertakes an annual, multi-generational migration across North America. The abundance of this species at both eastern and western overwintering sites in Central Mexico and California indicates a population decline. Success of continental-scale conservation programs for a migratory species depends on providing, maintaining, and protecting habitats at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. Here, dynamics of monarch continental-scale migration and gene flow were obtained by combined stable isotope, morphological, and genetic analyses. These analyses were applied to temporal monarch samples collected from May to September during 2016-2021 at locations in Iowa, USA and spatial collections from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, Idaho, Hawaii, 3 Australian locations during July and August 2016, and Texas in April 2021. Evidence of seasonal multi-generational migration was obtained through δ2H analyses of spatial collections, which was corroborated by decreased wing hue (a morphological marker for non-migratory individuals). In Iowa, 10-15% of monarchs represented migrants from southern areas throughout the breeding season and 6% were migrants from the North in midsummer. Limited sequence variation detected across the mitochondrial genome impacted the capability to detect significant population genetic variation in our North American samples. However, 2 novel substitutions were identified and predicted to be fixed among Australia samples, contributing to intercontinental differentiation from counterparts in North America. Our assessment of temporal and spatial population dynamics across the North American monarch breeding range provides insight into continental-scale migration and previously undetected mitochondrial DNA variation among globally distributed populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Fisher
- Department of Entomology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alina Filandro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipaic University, Hamden, CT, USA
| | - Steven P Bradbury
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alan Wanamaker
- Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- National Science Foundation, Division of Ocean Sciences, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Brad Coates
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Corn Insects & Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hemstrom WB, Freedman MG, Zalucki MP, Ramírez SR, Miller MR. Population genetics of a recent range expansion and subsequent loss of migration in monarch butterflies. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:4544-4557. [PMID: 35779004 PMCID: PMC9546011 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Range expansions-whether permanent or transient-strongly influence the distribution of genetic variation in space. Monarch butterflies are best known for long-distance seasonal migration within North America but are also established as nonmigratory populations around the world, including on Pacific Islands. Previous research has highlighted stepwise expansion across the Pacific, though questions remain about expansion timing and the population genetic consequences of migration loss. Here, we present reduced-representation sequencing data for 275 monarchs from North America (n = 85), 12 Pacific Islands (n = 136) and three locations in Australia (n = 54), with the goal of understanding (i) how the monarch's Pacific expansion has shaped patterns of population genetic variation and (ii) how loss of migration has influenced spatial patterns of differentiation. We find support for previously described stepwise dispersal across the Pacific and document an additional expansion from Hawaii into the Mariana Islands. Nonmigratory monarchs within the Mariana Islands show strong patterns of differentiation, despite their proximity; by contrast, migratory North American samples form a single genetically panmictic population across the continent. Estimates of Pacific establishment timing are highly uncertain (~100-1,000,000 years ago) but overlap with historical records that indicate a recent expansion. Our data support (i) a recent expansion across the Pacific whose timing overlaps with available historical records of establishment and (ii) a strong role for seasonal migration in determining patterns of spatial genetic variation. Our results are noteworthy because they demonstrate how the evolution of partial migration can drive population differentiation over contemporary timescales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Micah G. Freedman
- Department of Evolution and EcologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Population BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Myron P. Zalucki
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Santiago R. Ramírez
- Department of Evolution and EcologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Population BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael R. Miller
- Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pocius VM, Majewska AA, Freedman MG. The Role of Experiments in Monarch Butterfly Conservation: A Review of Recent Studies and Approaches. ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 115:10-24. [PMID: 35069967 PMCID: PMC8764570 DOI: 10.1093/aesa/saab036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) (Lepidoptera Danaidae Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus)) are an iconic species of conservation concern due to declines in the overwintering colonies over the past twenty years. Because of this downward trend in overwintering numbers in both California and Mexico, monarchs are currently considered 'warranted-but-precluded' for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Monarchs have a fascinating life history and have become a model system in chemical ecology, migration biology, and host-parasite interactions, but many aspects of monarch biology important for informing conservation practices remain unresolved. In this review, we focus on recent advances using experimental and genetic approaches that inform monarch conservation. In particular, we emphasize three areas of broad importance, which could have an immediate impact on monarch conservation efforts: 1) breeding habitat and host plant use, 2) natural enemies and exotic caterpillar food plants, and 3) the utility of genetic and genomic approaches for understanding monarch biology and informing ongoing conservation efforts. We also suggest future studies in these areas that could improve our understanding of monarch behavior and conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M Pocius
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | | | - Micah G Freedman
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Freedman MG, Roode JC, Forister ML, Kronforst MR, Pierce AA, Schultz CB, Taylor OR, Crone EE. Are eastern and western monarch butterflies distinct populations? A review of evidence for ecological, phenotypic, and genetic differentiation and implications for conservation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Micah G. Freedman
- Department of Ecology & Evolution University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
- Center for Population Biology University of California, Davis Davis California USA
| | | | | | - Marcus R. Kronforst
- Department of Ecology & Evolution University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Amanda A. Pierce
- United States Environmental Protection Agency Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Cheryl B. Schultz
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University Vancouver Washington USA
| | - Orley R. Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
AbstractUnderstanding the genetic architecture of complex trait adaptation in natural populations requires the continued development of tractable models that explicitly confront organismal and environmental complexity. A decade of high-throughput sequencing-based investigations into the genomic basis of migration points to an integrative framework that incorporates quantitative genetics, evolutionary developmental biology, phenotypic plasticity, and epigenetics to explain migration evolution. In this perspective, I argue that the transcontinental migration of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) can serve as a compelling system to study the mechanism of evolutionary lability of a complex trait. Monarchs show significant phenotypic and genotypic diversity across their global range, with phenotypic switching that allows for explicit study of evolutionary lability. A developmental approach for elucidating how migratory traits are generated and functionally integrated will be important for understanding the evolution of monarch migration traits. I propose a plasticity threshold model to describe migration lability, and I describe novel functional techniques that will help resolve open questions and model assumptions. I conclude by considering the relationships between adaptive genetic architecture, anthropogenic climate change, and conservation management practice and the timeliness of the monarch migration model to illuminate these connections given the rapid decline of the North American migration.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mawdsley JR, Simmons T, Rubinoff D. Voluntary Conservation, Not Regulation, Will Be Key to Monarch Butterfly Recovery. WILDLIFE SOC B 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim Simmons
- Restoration Ecologist (Retired), Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program MassWildlife Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough MA 01581 USA
| | - Daniel Rubinoff
- Professor of Entomology and Director of the University of Hawai'i Insect Museum University of Hawaii 310 Gilmore Hall, 3050 Maile Way Honolulu HI 96822 USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Talla V, Pierce AA, Adams KL, de Man TJB, Nallu S, Villablanca FX, Kronforst MR, de Roode JC. Genomic evidence for gene flow between monarchs with divergent migratory phenotypes and flight performance. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:2567-2582. [PMID: 32542770 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Monarch butterflies are known for their spectacular annual migration in eastern North America, with millions of monarchs flying up to 4,500 km to overwintering sites in central Mexico. Monarchs also live west of the Rocky Mountains, where they travel shorter distances to overwinter along the Pacific Coast. It is often assumed that eastern and western monarchs form distinct evolutionary units, but genomic studies to support this notion are lacking. We used a tethered flight mill to show that migratory eastern monarchs have greater flight performance than western monarchs, consistent with their greater migratory distances. However, analysing more than 20 million SNPs in 43 monarch genomes, we found no evidence for genomic differentiation between eastern and western monarchs. Genomic analysis also showed identical and low levels of genetic diversity, and demographic analyses indicated similar effective population sizes and ongoing gene flow between eastern and western monarchs. Gene expression analysis of a subset of candidate genes during active flight revealed differential gene expression related to nonmuscular motor activity. Our results demonstrate that eastern and western monarchs maintain migratory differences despite ongoing gene flow, and suggest that migratory differences between eastern and western monarchs are not driven by select major-effects alleles. Instead, variation in migratory distance and destination may be driven by environmentally induced differential gene expression or by many alleles of small effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkat Talla
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kandis L Adams
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tom J B de Man
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sumitha Nallu
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francis X Villablanca
- Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Marcus R Kronforst
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nail KR, Drizd L, Voorhies KJ. Butterflies Across the Globe: A Synthesis of the Current Status and Characteristics of Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Populations Worldwide. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
9
|
Pfeiler E, Nazario-Yepiz NO, Pérez-Gálvez F, Chávez-Mora CA, Laclette MRL, Rendón-Salinas E, Markow TA. Population Genetics of Overwintering Monarch Butterflies, Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus), from Central Mexico Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA and Microsatellite Markers. J Hered 2017; 108:163-175. [PMID: 28003372 PMCID: PMC5434545 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esw071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Population genetic variation and demographic history in Danaus plexippus (L.), from Mexico were assessed based on analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI; 658 bp) and subunit II (COII; 503 bp) gene segments and 7 microsatellite loci. The sample of 133 individuals included both migratory monarchs, mainly from 4 overwintering sites within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) in central Mexico (states of Michoacán and México), and a nonmigratory population from Irapuato, Guanajuato. Haplotype (h) and nucleotide (π) diversities were relatively low, averaging 0.466 and 0.00073, respectively, for COI, and 0.629 and 0.00245 for COII. Analysis of molecular variance of the COI data set, which included additional GenBank sequences from a nonmigratory Costa Rican population, showed significant population structure between Mexican migratory monarchs and nonmigratory monarchs from both Mexico and Costa Rica, suggesting limited gene flow between the 2 behaviorally distinct groups. Interestingly, while the COI haplotype frequencies of the nonmigratory populations differed from the migratory, they were similar to each other, despite the great physical distance between them. Microsatellite analyses, however, suggested a lack of structure between the 2 groups, possibly owing to the number of significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium resulting from heterzoygote deficiencies found for most of the loci. Estimates of demographic history of the combined migratory MBBR monarch population, based on the mismatch distribution and Bayesian skyline analyses of the concatenated COI and COII data set (n = 89) suggested a population expansion dating to the late Pleistocene (~35000–40000 years before present) followed by a stable effective female population size (Nef) of about 6 million over the last 10000 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Pfeiler
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C., Unidad Guaymas, Guaymas, Sonora, México
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Therese Ann Markow
- Irapuato, Guanajuato, México.,Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pierce AA, Zalucki MP, Bangura M, Udawatta M, Kronforst MR, Altizer S, Haeger JF, de Roode JC. Serial founder effects and genetic differentiation during worldwide range expansion of monarch butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 281:rspb.2014.2230. [PMID: 25377462 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.2230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Range expansions can result in founder effects, increasing genetic differentiation between expanding populations and reducing genetic diversity along the expansion front. However, few studies have addressed these effects in long-distance migratory species, for which high dispersal ability might counter the effects of genetic drift. Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) are best known for undertaking a long-distance annual migration in North America, but have also dispersed around the world to form populations that do not migrate or travel only short distances. Here, we used microsatellite markers to assess genetic differentiation among 18 monarch populations and to determine worldwide colonization routes. Our results indicate that North American monarch populations connected by land show limited differentiation, probably because of the monarch's ability to migrate long distances. Conversely, we found high genetic differentiation between populations separated by large bodies of water. Moreover, we show evidence for serial founder effects across the Pacific, suggesting stepwise dispersal from a North American origin. These findings demonstrate that genetic drift played a major role in shaping allele frequencies and created genetic differentiation among newly formed populations. Thus, range expansion can give rise to genetic differentiation and declines in genetic diversity, even in highly mobile species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A Pierce
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Myron P Zalucki
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Marie Bangura
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Milan Udawatta
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Marcus R Kronforst
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pierce AA, de Roode JC, Altizer S, Bartel RA. Extreme heterogeneity in parasitism despite low population genetic structure among monarch butterflies inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100061. [PMID: 24926796 PMCID: PMC4057267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Host movement and spatial structure can strongly influence the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, with limited host movement potentially leading to high spatial heterogeneity in infection. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are best known for undertaking a spectacular long-distance migration in eastern North America; however, they also form non-migratory populations that breed year-round in milder climates such as Hawaii and other tropical locations. Prior work showed an inverse relationship between monarch migratory propensity and the prevalence of the protozoan parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha. Here, we sampled monarchs from replicate sites within each of four Hawaiian Islands to ask whether these populations show consistently high prevalence of the protozoan parasite as seen for monarchs from several other non-migratory populations. Counter to our predictions, we observed striking spatial heterogeneity in parasite prevalence, with infection rates per site ranging from 4-85%. We next used microsatellite markers to ask whether the observed variation in infection might be explained by limited host movement and spatial sub-structuring among sites. Our results showed that monarchs across the Hawaiian Islands form one admixed population, supporting high gene flow among sites. Moreover, measures of individual-level genetic diversity did not predict host infection status, as might be expected if more inbred hosts harbored higher parasite loads. These results suggest that other factors such as landscape-level environmental variation or colonization-extinction processes might instead cause the extreme heterogeneity in monarch butterfly infection observed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A. Pierce
- Biology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jacobus C. de Roode
- Biology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rebecca A. Bartel
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Red Wolf Recovery Program, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Manteo, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
LYONS JUSTINEI, PIERCE AMANDAA, BARRIBEAU SETHM, STERNBERG ELEANORED, MONGUE ANDREWJ, De ROODE JACOBUSC. Lack of genetic differentiation between monarch butterflies with divergent migration destinations. Mol Ecol 2012; 21:3433-44. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2012.05613.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Altizer S, Davis AK. POPULATIONS OF MONARCH BUTTERFLIES WITH DIFFERENT MIGRATORY BEHAVIORS SHOW DIVERGENCE IN WING MORPHOLOGY. Evolution 2010; 64:1018-28. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2010.00946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
14
|
Altizer S, Davis AK. POPULATIONS OF MONARCH BUTTERFLIES WITH DIFFERENT MIGRATORY BEHAVIORS SHOW DIVERGENCE IN WING MORPHOLOGY. Evolution 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2009.00946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
15
|
|
16
|
DINGLE H, ZALUCKI MP, ROCHESTER WA, ARMIJO-PREWITT T. Distribution of the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in western North America. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2005.00512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
17
|
ZALUCKI MYRONP, CLARKE ANTHONYR. Monarchs across the Pacific: the Columbus hypothesis revisited. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2004.00322.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|