Roger Vila

Contrasting modes of dosage compensation on ancestral and neo-Z chromosomes in butterflies

This study examines dosage compensation mechanisms on ancestral and neo-Z chromosomes in butterflies, revealing varied gene expression patterns and highlighting the role of evolutionary history and gene function in shaping these mechanisms.

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.

The 229 chromosomes of the Atlas blue butterfly reveal rules constraining chromosome evolution in Lepidoptera

The study presents a chromosome-level genome assembly of the Atlas blue butterfly, revealing constraints on chromosome evolution in Lepidoptera through extensive fission and fusion events.

Phylogeography and diversification of the Pieris napi species group in the Western Palaearctic

This study uses genomic data to analyze the phylogenetic relationships, population structure, and ecological differentiation of the Pieris napi species group in the Western Palaearctic, revealing two main clades and key climatic drivers of adaptation.

ERGA-BGE genome of the Spanish Moon Moth Graellsia isabellae Graells, 1849: a nocturnal lepidopteran protected by the Habitats Directive

The paper presents the reference genome of the Spanish Moon Moth Graellsia isabellae, which helps resolve its scientific name and supports genetic monitoring of the species.

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.

Polyommatine blue butterflies reveal unexpected integrity of the W sex chromosome amid extensive chromosome fragmentation

The paper examines karyotype variation in Polyommatine butterflies, finding that the W sex chromosome remains intact despite chromosome fragmentation.

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.

The fine-scale recombination rate variation and associations with genomic features in a butterfly

This study investigates recombination rate variation in butterflies, finding bimodal patterns in large chromosomes, lower rates in subtelomeres, and associations with transposable elements and gene activity.

Linkage mapping and genome annotation give novel insights into gene family expansions and regional recombination rate variation in the painted lady (Vanessa cardui) butterfly

This study develops a high-density linkage map and annotates the genome of the painted lady butterfly, revealing gene family expansions and recombination rate variation linked to genomic features and lifestyle adaptations.

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.