Laboratoř molekulární chronobiologie

Fylogeografie ruměnice pospolné, Pyrrhocoris apterus

We use our favorite model organism, Linden bug (Pyrrhocoris apterus), to study diapause and particularly its photoperiodic regulation. Seasonal environmental changes are mostly influenced by latitude and altitude of particular locality. Indeed, we observe remarkable variability in photoperiodic and circadian clocks between geographical field-lines of P. apterus. To further understand the genetic basis of this variability, we would like to identify relationship between geographical populations and reconstruct the phylogeography of this species. Current collection of P. apterus (see the map) was only possible thanks to generous help of following colleagues: Adam Bajgar, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz, Aleksandra Konjevic, Barbara Lis, Jerzy A. Lis, Carl-Cedric Coulianos, Rodolfe Costa, Dora Nagy, Eva Hola, Hanka Vaneckova, Iva Fukova, Jana Pavlová, Joanna Kotwica-Rolinska, Jula Lukes, Kai Schuette, Kajka Straznicka, Lucia Salis, Lukas Cizek, Lukas Drag, Manuel Baena, Marek Jindra, Marketa Ondrackova, Martin Kaltenpoth, Martin Vacha, Matilde Eizaguirre, Milan Stech, Milena Damulewicz, Olina Bazalova, Petr Kment, Petra Sekyrova, Plamen Kalushkov, Radka Zavodska, Ramon Albajes, Stanislav Rada, Teemu Rintala, Vlastimil Smykal, Xanti Pagola, Zejlko Popovic,

However, several geographical regions are either underrepresented or even absent completely (see red circles in the map below). Therefore, we would really welcome samples (either dead or alive) from following regions:

Europe – England, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Western and central and South France, Poland – especially north, Mediterranean Islands (Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia), Romania, Moldavia, Portugal, (South) Spain, South England

North Africa– Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria

East– Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Emirates, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, East Ukraine, Russia, South West Mongolia, North West China

Sample collection: The optimal way for storing and transporting samples seems to be 96% ethanol (non-denatured). 2ml screw cup tubes can accommodate 5 - 8 bugs from the same locality. We are ready to send prepared tubes filled with EtOH, just send an e-mail request, please. Although we are happy even for one individual bug, 10-15 specimens from one locality are optimal. It is important to have the report of the locality (such as GPS position or locality name from the map, elevation is also very useful). Please, if possible, it would be also great to mention, if the locality was urbanized area (town, park and similar area modified by human) or if the locality is more similar to original nature-like type (forest, steppe, mountains). In ideal case we would like to have samples collected approximately 200 km apart in lowlands, while in mountains or complex terrain even higher density is helpful (down to tens of kilometers).

Living bugs – an alternative is to collect live specimens. Adults survive with wet piece of cotton or cellulose in small paper box for more than one week, as long as it is not too hot. We are really happy to obtain living specimens for establishing colonies, where circadian and photoperiodic phenotypes can be characterized.

Species identification - Pyrrhocoris apteruscan be quite easily identified thanks to its aposematic coloration. Both, larvae or adults can be collected and are welcome. We are also seeking for samples of closely related pyrrhocorids, such as P. sibiricus, P.marginalis, and genus Scantius (see the pictures below).

Contact:  David Dolezel or Martin Pivarci; david.dolezel@entu.cas.cz; pivarci@entu.cas.cz; Institute of Entomology; Biology center CAS; Branisovska 31; 370 05 Ceske Budejovice; Czech Republic