R. Vila

Evolution of hybrid inviability associated with chromosome fusions

The paper identifies genomic regions linked to hybrid inviability in butterflies by comparing allele frequencies in surviving and non-surviving F2 hybrids, showing these regions are in fast-evolving, low-recombination areas with chromosome fusions.

Gene expression responses to environmental cues shed light on components of the migratory syndrome in butterflies

This study identifies gene expression changes in painted lady butterflies in response to environmental cues, highlighting pathways involved in migration and reproduction.

Rewinding the ratchet: rare recombination locally rescues neo-W degeneration and generates plateaus of sex-chromosome divergence

The paper studies neo-sex chromosome evolution in butterflies, finding that rare recombination can reverse degradation and create divergence plateaus on neo-W chromosomes.

Genomic regions of current low hybridisation mark long-term barriers to gene flow in scarce swallowtail butterflies

The paper investigates long-term gene flow barriers in hybridising swallowtail butterflies using whole-genome sequencing data, finding that regions of low recent hybridisation are enriched for long-term barriers to divergence.

Meiotic drive against chromosome fusions in butterfly hybrids

The paper investigates meiotic drive in butterfly hybrids, finding transmission biases that favor or oppose chromosome fusions, suggesting meiotic drive can both promote and hinder karyotypic evolution.

Temporal Dynamics of Faster Neo-Z Evolution in Butterflies

The paper examines the faster-Z effect in Leptidea sinapis, showing that neo-Z chromosomes evolve at different rates due to varying selective pressures and W gametolog presence.

Do chromosome rearrangements fix by genetic drift or natural selection? A test in Brenthis butterflies

The paper investigates whether chromosome rearrangements in Brenthis butterflies fix via genetic drift or natural selection, finding evidence for both mechanisms.

Nascent evolution of recombination rate differences as a consequence of chromosomal rearrangements

This study examines how chromosomal rearrangements affect recombination rates and genetic diversity in two wood white butterfly populations with distinct karyotypes.

A macroevolutionary role for chromosomal fusion and fission in Erebia butterflies

This study investigates the role of chromosomal fusions and fissions in speciation rates among Erebia butterflies, finding that fissions are more commonly associated with speciation events.

Environmental stress during larval development induces head methylome profile shifts in the migratory painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

The paper investigates how environmental stress during larval development affects DNA methylation in the painted lady butterfly, identifying epigenetic shifts linked to environmental conditions and gene expression patterns.

Chromosome fissions and fusions act as barriers to gene flow between Brenthis fritillary butterflies

This study shows chromosome fissions and fusions reduce gene flow between sympatric Brenthis fritillary butterflies by lowering effective migration rates in rearranged genomic regions.

High-density linkage maps and chromosome level genome assemblies unveil direction and frequency of extensive structural rearrangements in wood white butterflies (Leptidea spp.)

The paper generates genome assemblies and linkage maps for Leptidea species to study structural rearrangements, finding extensive fissions, fusions, and polymorphisms, with LINEs and LTR elements enriched at fusion breakpoints.

Diversification is correlated with temperature in white and sulfur butterflies

This study links temperature stability and cool seasonal maxima to higher diversification rates in Pieridae butterflies, using a comprehensive phylogeny and distribution data.

Migratory behavior is positively associated with genetic diversity in butterflies

The paper uses genomic data to show migratory butterflies have higher genetic diversity and stable population sizes compared to non-migratory species.

The genome sequence of the scarce swallowtail, Iphiclides podalirius

This paper presents a chromosome-level genome assembly for the scarce swallowtail butterfly and reports a negative correlation between chromosome length and heterozygosity at fourfold-degenerate sites.

The genome sequence of the lesser marbled fritillary, Brenthis ino, and evidence for a segregating neo-Z chromosome

This paper presents a chromosome-level genome assembly for the lesser marbled fritillary, Brenthis ino, and provides evidence for a segregating neo-Z chromosome in males.

Delimiting Continuity: Comparison of Target Enrichment and ddRAD for Delineating Admixing Parapatric Melitaea Butterflies

This study compares target enrichment and ddRAD sequencing in parapatric Melitaea butterflies, finding congruent phylogenetic results and recommending consistent classification of parapatric taxa.

Whole-genomes from the extinct Xerces Blue butterfly can help identify declining insect species

The paper sequenced genomes of extinct and historical Xerces Blue butterflies and their relatives to study population decline and identify genetic markers for threatened species.

The Pleistocene species pump past its prime: evidence from European butterfly sister species

The paper estimates divergence times for European butterfly sister species using genome-wide transcriptome data, finding most diverged before the Pleistocene and showing contact zones are not limited to early speciation stages.

The latitudinal diversity gradient in brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae): conserved ancestral tropical niche but different continental histories.

This study evaluates hypotheses for the latitudinal diversity gradient in Nymphalidae butterflies, finding that low extinction rates and historical dispersal patterns, rather than speciation rates, explain diversity patterns.

The determinants of genetic diversity in butterflies - Lewontin's paradox revisited

This study examines genetic diversity in European butterflies and finds it correlates with body size and genetic map length, not population size or fecundity.

Global invasion history of the world’s most abundant pest butterfly: a citizen science population genomics study

The paper uses citizen science to collect genetic data on the invasive butterfly Pieris rapae, revealing its global spread through human activities and four founding events over 160 years.

Pollen metabarcoding as a tool for tracking long-distance insect migrations.

This study uses pollen metabarcoding to track long-distance insect migrations, finding that African plant species are present in Mediterranean butterflies, supporting trans-Saharan migration from Africa to Europe.