Apollo population genomics

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Project title:

Genome sequencing and population level analysis of past and present genetic diversity covering the whole distribution range of Parnassius apollo (Apollo)

ZFMK Project lead:

Dr. Marianne Espeland

Unit:

Lepidoptera, Molecular Laboratory

Object of research:

Lepidoptera, Butterflies

Description

Parnassius apollo (Papilionidae) is an iconic butterfly species with a wide distribution from Spain to China. The distribution is, however, very spotwise, and e.g. in Germany only a few populations remain. It is the only non-tropical butterfly protected under the CITES convention. The goal of this project is to use high throughput sequencing to investigate the genetic diversity of Parnassius apollo across space and time. To do this we will mainly rely on museum specimens collected across the range of the species, and during the last 120 years, and supplement with fresh material to generate a high quality reference genome.