UV reflectance of inter-subspecific hybrid females obtained by crossing cabbage butterflies from Japan (Pieris rapae crucivora) with those from New Zealand (P. rapae rapae)

Cross-mating was performed between subspecies of cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae crucivora from Japan and P. rapae rapae from New Zealand, whose females are known to reflect and absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, respectively. In the female F ₁ hybrids UV reflectance was intermediate between the two parent females. Further, the UV reflectance was significantly higher in the female F ₁ hybrids derived from females of the New Zealand subspecies than in those derived from females of the Japanese subspecies.     

Sexual dichroism and pigment localization in the wing scales of Pieris rapae butterflies

The beads in the wing scales of pierid butterflies play a crucially important role in wing coloration as shown by spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The beads contain pterin pigments, which in Pieris rapae absorb predominantly in the ultraviolet (UV). SEM demonstrates that in the European subspecies Pieris rapae rapae, both males and females have dorsal wing scales with a high concentration of beads. In the Japanese subspecies Pieris rapae crucivora, however, only the males have dorsal wing scales studded with beads, and the dorsal scales of females lack beads. Microspectrophotometry of single scales without beads yields reflectance spectra that increase slightly and monotonically with wavelength. With beads, the reflectance is strongly reduced in the UV and enhanced at the longer wavelengths. By stacking several layers of beaded scales, pierid butterflies achieve strong colour contrasts, which are not realized in the dorsal wings of female P. r. crucivora. Consequently, P. r. crucivora exhibits a strong sexual dichroism that is absent in P. r. rapae.     

Comparative population studies of threePieris butterflies,P. rapae,P. melete andP. napi,living in the same area

Utilization of patchy habitats by adult populations of three Pieris butterflies, P. rapae, P. melete and P. napi was studied throughout the flight season in an area of their coexistence, about 3×1.5 km, in a farm village in the mountains in Inabu, Aichi Prefecture. Field study was by the mark-recapture method. Results were analyzed by dispersal distances and recapture duration decay curves for adults of different age-classes estimated on the basis of physical condition of their wings, together with supplementary information of daliy egg-laying rate of females, obtained in field cages. Sexually immature, mated femals of P. rapae after teneral stage showed a migratory flight. On the other hand, reproductive females and all males of P. rapae were strongly resident within suitable habitats, and reproductive females begun to lay eggs abundantly at sunny places of newly suitable areas within a short period. P. melete seemed to disperse gradually from emerged stites and females of this species continued to lay some constant numbers of eggs for more than ten days over a wider area. P. napi appeared more like P. melete than P. rapae. The habitats of the three species can be characterized as follows:P. rapae, temporary, continued for pre-reproductive females but localized for reproductive females and all males, and unstable;P. melete, permanent, widespread, and stable;P. napi, permanent, localized, and stable. The numbers of generations of P. rapae, P. melete and P. napi were estimated to be about six, three and three, respectively. Seasonal fluctuations in the number of adults were influenced by the stability of their habitats, i. e., the population size fluctuated sharply in P. rapae, but it was much more stable in P. melete and P. napi. In view of these results, it can be said that P. rapae fits the general characteristics of a r-strategist whereas P. melete and P. napi are more K-strategic than P. rapae.     

Comparative population studies of threePieris butterflies,P. rapae,P. melete andP. napi,living in the same area

The adult populations of three Pieris butterflies, P. rapae, P. melete and P. napi, were studied in an area of their coexistence throughout the flight seasons by using the mark-and-recapture method. The study area, about 3×1.5 km, was set up in a farm village surrounded by the mountainous area in Inabu, Aichi Prefecture. The habitats were qualified by the four factors, i. e., oviposition plants, adult nector plants, roosting-sites and light conditions. Between P. rapae and P. napi, there were sharp differences with regards to overall habitat preferences. P. melete had the widest preferences for all the habitat resources, which overlapped greately with requirements of P. rapae and P. napi. P. melete and P. rapae showed similar preferences for oviposition plants, but the former preferred shaded habitats while the latter preferred sunny places. P. melete and P. napi, having similar preferences for shaded situations, showed differences in the preferences for oviposition plants. Moreover, three species of Pieris were different in their preferences for adult nector plants. Thus, they were more likely to partition habitat resources rather than competing for them. The habitat structures of each species in respect of time, space and stability to weather changes were much different each other in the same area. The habitat of P. rapae was temporary, localized and unstable. While, that of P. melete was more permanent, widespread and stable than that of P. rapae. P. napi seemed to live in the intermediate habitat, i. e., permanent, localized and stable one.     

The use of oviposition‐induced plant cues by Trichogramma egg parasitoids

1. Female parasitoids have evolved various foraging strategies in order to find suitable hosts. Egg parasitoids have been shown to exploit plant cues induced by the deposition of host eggs. 2. The tiny wasp Trichogramma brassicae uses oviposition‐induced cues from Brussels sprouts to locate eggs of the cabbage white butterflies Pieris brassicae and Pieris rapae that differ in their egg‐laying behaviour. These plant cues are elicited by male‐derived anti‐aphrodisiac pheromones in the accessory reproductive gland (ARG) secretions of mated female butterflies. However, the closely related generalist species Trichogramma evanescens does not respond to Brussels sprout cues induced by the deposition of P. brassicae egg clutches. 3. Here we showed in two‐choice bioassays that T. evanescens wasps respond to Brussels sprout cues induced by (i) the deposition of single eggs by P. rapae, and (ii) the application of ARG secretions from either mated P. rapae females, or from virgin female butterflies in combination with P. rapae's anti‐aphrodisiac compound indole. The wasps only associatively learned to respond to Brussels sprout cues after applying indole alone by linking those cues with the presence of P. rapae eggs. 4. Our results indicate that Trichogramma wasps more commonly exploit oviposition‐induced plant cues to locate their host eggs. Generalist wasps show less specificity in their response than specialists and employ associative learning.     

Mate recognition in two sympatric species of butterflies,Pieris rapae andP. melete

Female butterflies should distinguish conspecific males from males of different species. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the female role in avoiding allospecific mating between 2 sympatric pierids,Pieris rapae crucivora (P. rapae hereafter) andP. melete. Since it is relatively rate to observe responses of a wild female to a courting male of different species, we substituted the wings of a female with those of a female of the other species. Such a female attracted allospecific males. FemaleP. melete took “mate-refusal posture” to courting males, regardless whether the male belonged to different species or not. FemaleP. melete discontinued the posture only when the male was conspecific. Such a behavioural difference indicates that the female discriminated its conspecific male. On the other hand, when only the mate-refusal posture was taken into account, a femaleP. rapae did not differently respond to courlship of males of bothP. melete andP. rapae. Having once approached, the maleP. melete attempted more frequently to copulate with its conspecific females than with allospecific ones, while the maleP. rapae indiscriminately attempted to copulate with both allospecific and conspecific females. The maleP. melete tended to persist in its courtship to females of bothP. rapae andP. melete who took the mate-refusal posture. The mate recognition system by male and female in these 2 species is discussed in connexion with the difference in mating behaviour pattern of the species.     

Body temperatures and behavioural thermoregulation strategies of threePieris butterflies in relation to solar radiation

Behavioural thermoregulation of 3Pieris butterfly species,P. rapae, P. melete andP. napi, was examined in relation to the intensity of solar radiation. To evaluate solar radiation intensity, the temperature (T_wr) was measured with a mercury thermometer whose bulb was covered with white cloth and exposed to direct sunlight. On clear days, the diurnal air temperature was between 16 and 28°C. The T_wt varied between 18 and 45°C, while the temperature in the shade was under 25°C. When the T_wt was under 28°C, the body temperatures (T_h) of butterflies closely coincided with it. Butterflies with T_b's under 26°C were resting, while those with T_b's between 26 and 28°C were basking. When T_wr was between 28 and 40°C, the butterflies were active and their T_b's were always lower than T_wr, never exceeding 36°C, though body temperatures could be artificially elevated easily up to the level of T_wr. When T_wr exceeded 40°C, butterflies showed species-specific heat-avoiding behaviour.P. rapae, whose habitat resources exist in the sun, intercepted solar radiation by closing the wings over the body.P. melete andP. napi, however, whose main habitat resources exist in the shade, moved into the shade. Strictly speaking, it is concluded that both butterflies, in many cases, leave shaded habitats for sunny habitats to elevate their T_b rather than enter the shaded habitats for heat-avoiding.     

Demonstration of Cytotoxicity against Wasps by Pierisin-1: A Possible Defense Factor in the Cabbage White Butterfly

The cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae, produces pierisin-1, a protein inducing apoptosis of mammalian cells. In the present study, the biological activity of pierisin-1 as a protective agent against parasitic wasps for P. rapae was examined. Pierisin-1 caused detrimental effects on eggs and larvae of non-habitual parasitoids for P. rapae, Glyptapanteles pallipes, Cotesia kariyai and Cotesia plutellae at 1–100 µg/ml, levels essentially equivalent to those found in P. rapae larvae. In contrast, eggs and larvae of the natural parasitoid of P. rapae, Cotesia glomerata proved resistant to the toxicity of pierisin-1 through inhibition of pierisin-1 penetration of the surface layer. The expression level of pierisin-1 mRNA in the larvae of P. rapae was increased by parasitization by C. plutellae, whereas it was decreased by C. glomerata. In addition, C. plutellae was associated with elevation of activated pierisin-1 in the hemolymph. From these observations, it is suggested that pierisin-1 could contribute as a defense factor against parasitization by some type of wasps in P. rapae.     

Constituents of host- and non-host plants deterring oviposition by the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae

Oviposition by Pieris rapae L. on cabbage was deterred by homogenized cabbage tissue sprayed onto intact plants. Ether extracts of cabbage also were deterrent, but water extracts were not. Hexane extracts of other host plants deterred oviposition and water extracts had little or no effect. Polar as well as non-polar extracts of non-host plants inhibited oviposition. Polar deterrents in the non-host crucifers, Erysimum cheiranthoides and Capsella bursa-pastoris may explain the avoidance of these plants by P. rapae. Chemical deterrents, as well as stimulants, apparently play a major role in the acceptance or rejection of plants as hosts by ovipositing female butterflies.

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Zusammenfassung Die Eiablage von Pieris rapae auf Kohl wurde gehemmt von einem Homogenisat aus Kohlblättern, das auf intakte Pflanzen gesprüht wurde. Ether-Extrakte der Kohlblätter wirkten im Gegensatz zu Wasserextrakten abschreckend. Ebenso zeigten Hexanextrakte anderer Wirtspflanzen eine hemmende Wirkung auf die Eiablage, während Wasserextrakte anderer Wirtspflanzen keine Wirkung aufwiesen. Dagegen aber verhinderten sowohl polare als auch unpolare Extrakte von Nicht-Wirtspflanzen die Eiablagen. Polare, abschreckende Substanzen in den Nicht-Wirtspflanzen Erysimum cheiranthoides und Capsella bursa-pastoris (Cruciferae) könnten Ursache dafür sein, dass P. rapae diese Pflanzen meidet. Chemische Substanzen mit sowohl abschreckender als auch stimulierender Wirkung spielen offensichtlich eine bedeutende Rolle für legebereite Schmetterlingsweibchen bei der Auswahl von Pflanzen als geeigneten Eiablageplatz.

     

Preference of cabbage white butterflies and honey bees for nectar that contains amino acids

Summary Amino acids occur in most floral nectars but their role in pollinator attraction is relatively unstudied. Nectars of butterfly-pollinated flower tend to have higher concentrations of amino acids than do flowers pollinated by bees and many other animals, suggesting that amino acids are important attractants of butterflies to flowers. In order to determine whether amino acids are important in attracting butterflies and bees, we tested the preference of cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae) and honey bees (Apis mellifera) by allowing them to feed from artificial flowers containing sugar-only or sugar-amino acid mimics ofLantana camara nectar. Honey bees and female cabbage white butterflies consumed more sugar-amino acid nectar than sugar-only nectar. In addition, female cabbage white butterflies visited artificial flowers containing sugar-amino acid nectars more frequently than flowers containing sugar-only nectars; honey bees spent more time consuming the sugar-amino acid nectar. Male cabbage white butterflies did not discriminate between the two nectars. These results support the hypothesis that the amino acids of nectar contribute to pollinator attraction and/or feeding.     

BUTTERFLY WING MARKINGS ARE MORE ADVANTAGEOUS DURING HANDLING THAN DURING THE INITIAL STRIKE OF AN AVIAN PREDATOR

The “false head” hypothesis states that due to the posterior ventral wing markings of certain butterflies which resemble a “false head,” visually hunting predators, such as birds, are deceived into attacking the hind wing area rather than the true head of the butterfly. In the laboratory, six groups of artificially marked dead cabbage butterflies, Pieris rapae, were presented to Blue Jays, Cyanocitta cristata. Of the six “false head” markings, only the eyespot significantly influenced the point of attack. All of the “false head” markings, however, led to a greater proportion of attacks to the hind wing area of the butterfly. In the course of prey handling following an initial attack, each of the six “false head” markings significantly directed predator handling strikes away from the true head of captive butterflies to the anal angle of the hind wing. In a second experiment, live P. rapae with “false head” markings were mishandled and thus escaped, significantly more frequently than controls. Therefore, “false head” markings may confer a selective advantage by increasing the probability of escape, particularly during handling.     

Defense against Pieris rapae in cabbage plants induced by Bemisia tabaci biotype B

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) are serious pests of vegetables, that can occur simultaneously on a single cabbage plant [Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. (Brassicaceae)]. We determined whether pre‐feeding or infestation by B. tabaci on cabbage could induce physiological and biochemical responses of the plant against P. rapae. Developmental time, length, and weight of immature P. rapae, and defense‐related plant compounds (SOD, superoxide dismutase; POD, peroxidase; CAT, catalase; APX, ascorbate peroxidase) were measured. Development of P. rapae larvae was 21% slower on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants than on plants without B. tabaci infestation. When feeding on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants, 22% of P. rapae larvae pupated as compared with 83% on B. tabaci‐free plants. Weights of P. rapae from first to fourth instars that fed on B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants were also reduced, whereas those of fifth instars and pupae were not. Similarly, body length of P. rapae from first to fourth instars was affected by B. tabaci pre‐infestation, whereas that of the fifth instars was not. Peroxidase and APX activities of the B. tabaci‐pre‐infested plants increased more than SOD and CAT. Peroxidase and SOD activities of B. tabaci and P. rapae co‐infested plants increased as compared with those of P. rapae‐infested plants; however, CAT and APX activities were not different between B. tabaci‐ and P. rapae‐infested plants. These results showed that B. tabaci infestation had a negative effect on P. rapae when they occurred simultaneously on the same host plant. The implications of the induced plant changes on the herbivore are discussed.     

基于叶绿体DNA片段的槭属鸡爪槭组系统进化和生物地理学研究

东亚地区经历过复杂的地质事件及气候变化,针对东亚地区进行专科专属的植物区系及地理演化研究具有重要的意义。基于3个叶绿体片段（psbA-trnH、rpl16和trnL-trnF）,对主要分布于东亚地区的鸡爪槭组（section Palmata Pax）18个分类群的分化时间、祖先地理分布、物种扩散路径等进行了分析。叶绿体片段总长度为2,232bp,其中变异位点341个（15.2%）,有效信息位点231个（10.3%）;18个鸡爪槭组内物种（包含亚种）被高度支持为单系群（99/95/1.0）,且组内物种间的支持度相对较高;鸡爪槭组内出现物种分化的时间多集中于中新世时期,组内物种的多样性速率保持相对稳定;根据BioGeoBears分析得出,东亚大陆局部地区是该组物种的祖先分布区,且现今分布于岛屿的物种分布在不同分支。通过讨论与分析得出：我国西南地区可能是鸡爪槭组植物的起源地;东海陆桥隐没与抬升,直接影响着鸡爪槭组物种的迁移与扩散;分布于亚热带亚洲大陆的鸡爪槭组物种,存在多次往同纬度高海拔地区扩散的现象。该研究有助于对东亚地区植物生物地理历史的进一步了解。     

Parasitism by Cotesia glomerata Induces Immunosuppression of Pieris rapae: Effects of Ovarian Protein and Polydnavirus

A gregarious endoparasitoid wasp, Cotesia glomerata, parasitizes the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae. During wandering larval stage for pupal metamorphosis, the parasitoid larvae egress from the parasitized host to form cocoons thus eventually leading to death of the host. This study focused on the effect of C. glomerata parasitization on cellular immune response of P. rapae. For this purpose, an ideal anticoagulant buffer was formulated to procure the hemocytes in native form with morphological, behavioral, and functional characteristics. The hemocytes selectively encapsulated only DEAE beads under in vitro conditions and a quantitative study revealed about 70% of the beads being encapsulated. On the other hand, calyx fluid from C. glomerata injected to P. rapae markedly inhibited the spreading ability of the hemocytes in a dose-dependent manner and also attenuated the in vitro encapsulation response of the hemocytes against the cationic bead. The calyx fluid contained polydnavirus as well as ovarian proteins. The isolated polydnavirus genome consisted of variously sized-segments with their unequal amounts. The P. rapae injected with the calyx fluid expressed several polydnaviral genes within 2 h. These results suggest that the immunosuppression of the parasitized P. rapae may be induced by the polydnaviral gene products as well as ovarian proteins.     

A dated phylogeny of Lardizabalaceae reveals an unusual long-distance dispersal across the Pacific Ocean and the rapid rise of East Asian subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests in the late Miocene

Temperate South American–Asian disjunct distributions are the most unusual in organisms, and challenging to explain. Here, we address the origin of this unusual disjunction in Lardizabalaceae using explicit models and molecular data. The family (c.40 species distributed in ten genera) also provides an opportunity to explore the historical assembly of East Asian subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests, a typical and luxuriant vegetation in East Asia. DNA sequences of five plastid loci of 42 accessions representing 23 species of Lardizabalaceae (c. 57.5% of estimated species diversity), and 19 species from the six other families of Ranunculales, were used to perform phylogenetic analyses. By dating the branching events and reconstructing ancestral ranges, we infer that extant Lardizabalaceae dated to the Upper Cretaceous of East Asia and that the temperate South American lineage might have split from its East Asian sister group at c. 24.4 Ma. A trans-Pacific dispersal possibly by birds from East Asia to South America is plausible to explain the establishment of the temperate South American–East Asian disjunction in Lardizabalaceae. Diversification rate analyses indicate that net diversification rates of Lardizabalaceae experienced a significant increase around c. 7.5 Ma. Our findings suggest that the rapid rise of East Asian subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests occurred in the late Miocene, associated with the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and the intensified East Asian monsoon, as well as the higher winter temperature and atmospheric CO₂ levels.     

Influences of plant species on life history traits of Cotesia rubecula (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and its host Pieris rapae (Lepidotera: Pieridae)

The relative suitability of four plants was studied for larvae of Pieris rapae L. and its parasitoid Cotesia rubecula (Marshall). For unparasitized P. rapae, pupal dry weight and egg-pupa growth rate were higher on cabbage, radish and nasturtium than on Indian hedge mustard. Larval developmental rate and size were greatest for C. rubecula when its host was feeding on nasturtium. Wasp survival was not affected by the host insect/plant combination in which the parasitoid developed. These results indicate that the plant on which host larvae feed is an important factor in development of the parasitoid.     

A Mitochondrial Phylogeny and Biogeographical Scenario for Asiatic Water Shrews of the Genus Chimarrogale: Implications for Taxonomy and Low-Latitude Migration Routes

The six species and three subspecies in the genus Chimarrogale (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) are commonly referred to as Asiatic water shrews. The Chimarrogale are the most widely distributed group of Nectogaline shrews, extending throughout the Oriental region and Japan. Because of the limited numbers of specimens available for study, the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographical history of this genus have not been comprehensively discussed. We used mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences to estimate phylogenetic relationships and divergence times among four Chimarrogale species, including all three subspecies of Chimarrogale himalayica. We also conducted a species delimitation analysis and tested two alternative migration scenarios in Asia through species distribution modeling and a reconstruction of the ancestral distribution. Here, we present the first proposed hypothesis regarding the Asiatic water shrew phylogeny and reveal ten putative species within the four recognized species. Distinct phylogenetic statuses of Chimarrogale phaeura, Chimarrogale platycephala, and Chimarrogale styani were confirmed. Chimarrogale himalayica was strongly supported as paraphyletic. We suggest that three subspecies of Chimarrogale himalayica should be reconsidered as distinct species. However, these suggestions must be considered with caution because only a single locus of a mtDNA gene was used. Four additional putative species, possibly distributed in central southwestern China and Taiwan, are currently undescribed; therefore, comprehensive morphological analyses are warranted to test their taxonomic statuses. The estimated molecular divergence times indicated that rapid speciation occurred during the early Pliocene, and current distribution patterns may have been affected by global cooling during the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary. Reconstruction of the ancestral distribution and species distribution modeling for Asiatic water shrews revealed a low-latitude migration route over which ancestral Chimarrogale migrated from Europe via Central Asia to their current distribution. Our results demonstrated that Asiatic water shrews could have evolved throughout the low-latitude migration route from Europe to East and Southeast Asia.     

Historical introgression and the persistence of ghost alleles in the intermediate horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus affinis)

Phylogenetic conflicts between genetic markers can help to disentangle complex histories of phylogeography and introgression among taxa. We previously proposed that the Chinese mainland subspecies of the intermediate horseshoe bat Rhinolophus affinis himalayanus colonized Hainan Island to form the subspecies R. a. hainanus. Subsequent recolonization of the mainland formed a third taxon, R. a macrurus, and a secondary contact zone with the ancestral himalayanus. To test for historical and recurrent genetic exchange between these mainland subspecies, we sampled populations of each from two parapatric zones and undertook analyses using one mtDNA marker, three nuclear genes and 14 microsatellites. Nuclear DNA, echolocation call frequencies and morphological data all recovered two taxa; however, a mtDNA phylogeny revealed two himalayanus clades, of which one clustered with macrurus, as well as some shared or related mtDNA haplotypes in eastern populations. Isolation‐with‐migration (IM) models suggested some mtDNA gene flow from macrurus to himalayanus. However, strong population structure in himalayanus raises the possibility that macrurus captured mtDNA from a coastal population of himalayanus that has since become rare or extinct. To reconcile these two sets of results, we suggest that the IM estimates might reflect historical mtDNA gene flow among populations of himalayanus, before mtDNA was subsequently captured by macrurus. Finally, microsatellite‐based ABC analyses supported the island origin of macrurus; however, mtDNA‐based ABC analyses suggest this taxon might have evolved on the mainland. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding population history and structure for interpreting hybridization and introgression events.     

Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variation of the Swallowtail Butterfly, Papilio xuthus, and the Cabbage Butterfly, Pieris rapae

We analyzed a portion of mitochondrial COI gene sequences (658 bp) to investigate the genetic diversity and geographic variation of the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), and the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Papilio xuthus showed a moderate level of sequence divergence (0.91% at maximum) in 15 haplotypes, whereas Pi. rapae showed a moderate to high level of sequence divergence (1.67% at maximum) in 30 haplotypes, compared with other relevant studies. Analyses of population genetic structure showed that most populations are not genetically differentiated in both species. The distribution pattern of both species appears to be consistent with category IV of the phylogeographic pattern sensu Avise: a phylogenetic continuity, an absence of regional isolation of mtDNA clones, and extensive distribution of close clones. The observed pattern of genetic diversity and geographic variation of the two butterfly species seem to reflect the abundant habitats, abundant host plants, and flying abilities in connection with the lack of historical biogeographic barriers.     

Differentiation of Dolly Varden Char <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus malma</Emphasis> from Asia and North America Inferred from PCR-RFLP Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA

Genetic differentiation of Dolly Varden char Salvelinus malma Walbaum from the Asian and North American Pacific coasts was studied. We examined restriction fragment length polymorphism of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments amplified in polymerase chain reaction, which encoded four NADH dehydrogenase subunits, the cytochrome b gene, and a D-loop segment. The mtDNA haplotypes were shown to form three phylogenetic groups, whose geographic distribution corresponded to three Dolly Varden subspecies: S. malma malma, S. malma krascheninnikovi, and S. malma lordi. The nucleotide sequence divergence between S. malma malma and S. malma krascheninnikovi was 3.8%; between S. malma malma and S. malma lordi, 3.1%; and between S. malma krascheninnikovi and S. malma lordi, 2.5%. The northern Dolly Varden S. malma malma from Asia was shown to be genetically identical to that from North America.__________Translated from Genetika, Vol. 41, No. 5, 2005, pp. 626–634.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Oleinik, Skurikhina, Brykov, Crane, Wenburg.