1. Eyespot variation in the meadow brown butterfly, Maniola jurtina (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in diverse climatic conditionsTina Klenovšek, Predrag Jakšić, Franc Janžekovič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: 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.
Ključne besede: altitudinal variation, climatic gradients, morphological diversity, phenotypic plasticity, polymorphism, wing pattern variation
Objavljeno v DKUM: 01.10.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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2. Size and shape variability of the wing in burnet moth, Zygaena ephialtes (L., 1767) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae)Tina Klenovšek, Predrag Jakšić, Franc Janžekovič, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The burnet moth, Zygaena ephialtes (L., 1767) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) is a distinctly polymorphic species of moth appearing in several color morphotypes. This study examined whether the variability of the Z. ephialtes forewing could be explained by geometric morphometric methods. The analysis included 70 male specimens from five localities in Montenegro (Plužine, Tepca, Dobrilovina, Gusinje and Rugovska Gorge), and one locality in North Macedonia (Kožuf Mountain) belonging to the subspecies Zygaena ephialtes pannonica Holik, 1937 and Zygaena ephialtes istoki Silbernagel, 1944, respectively, collected between 1981 to 2018. The forewing outline and the aposematic color pattern formed by five spots were analyzed separately. Neither forewing size nor forewing spots pattern size exhibited interpopulation heterogeneity. Size variation of the basal spot was independent from the rest. Considering the forewing outline shape, the apical portion was the most variable and different among populations. Two morphological groups were recognized: a group with a narrower pointed forewing (samples: Kožuf Mountain, Rugovska Gorge and Tepca), and a group with a wider forewing with a blunt apex (Plužine, Gusinje). Neither the outline or the spots pattern of the forewing supported the distinction between the subspecies Z. e. pannonica and Z. e. istoki.
Ključne besede: aposematic coloration, Balkan Peninsula, geographical variability, geometric morphometrics, wing pattern
Objavljeno v DKUM: 04.02.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 10
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3. Review of Antlions (Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) in North MacedoniaDušan Devetak, Ana Nahirnić, Predrag Jakšić, Vesna Klokočovnik, Tina Klenovšek, Davide Badano, Jan Podlesnik, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: We present the state of knowledge on the family Myrmeleontidae occurring in North Macedonia based on published records, museum specimens and new samples, and provide a comprehensive species list. North Macedonia represents only 3.9% of the area of the Balkan Peninsula but harbours 19 species belonging to 14 antlion genera, i.e., 61% of the peninsular fauna. We report collection localities, literature records and biological data for each species. Three species, Nemoleon poecilopterus, Neuroleon assimilis and Myrmeleon inconspicuus, are reported for the first time in North Macedonia. The genus Nemoleon Navás is also reported for the first time in the country.
Ključne besede: Myrmeleontidae, checklist, distribution, new records, Balkan Peninsula
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.04.2024; Ogledov: 225; Prenosov: 13
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4. Contribution to the knowledge of Neuropterida (Raphidioptera, Neuroptera) of Serbia collected in the period 2015-2016Dušan Devetak, Predrag Jakšić, Ana Nahirnić, Franc Janžekovič, Tina Klenovšek, Jan Podlesnik, Vesna Klokočovnik, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: As a result of field studies in 2015-2016 in Serbia, mainly during two field collecting trips, four species of Raphidioptera and 65 species of Neuroptera were collected. The following species are reported from Serbia for the first time: Ornatoraphidia flavilabris (A. Costa, 1855), Phaeostigma pilicollis (Stein, 1863), Nothochrysa fulviceps (Stephens, 1836), Nineta pallida (Schneider, 1846), Apertochrysa ventralis (Curtis, 1834), Chrysoperla mediterranea (Hölzel, 1972), Hemerobius nitidulus Fabricius, 1777, Coniopteryx tineiformis Curtis, 1834 and Mantispilla perla (Pallas, 1772).
Ključne besede: lacewings, faunistics, Balkan peninsula
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.04.2024; Ogledov: 194; Prenosov: 6
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