Real's Wood White
Encyclopedia
The Réal's Wood White, Leptidea reali, is a butterfly
of the Pieridae
family.
, where it was only positively identified in 2001, it is commoner and far more widespread than the Wood White L. sinapis. Since it looks and behaves like its close relative further research is needed to discover its true distribution, indeed on the continent its current known distribution is suspiciously patchy. The only conclusive way to separate the two species is by close examination of the genitalia.
A 2011 study concludes that L. reali is one of three members of a cryptic species complex which also includes L. sinapis and a new species L. juvernica (stat.nov.) This study was based on karyotype
analysis and analysis of mitochondrial nuclear DNA
markers. L. reali was found to occur only in Spain, Italy and Southern France.Leptidea juvernica nov. stat. ranges from Ireland and France in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. Measurements of genitalia for the three species allow separation of these two species from L. sinapis. L .juvernica and L .reali could not be separated based on genitalia measurements.
Leptidea juvernica is also named the Cryptic Wood White.
Field lepidopterist
s have reported behavioural differences between L. reali and L. sinapis with Réal's being described as a stronger flier and with a preference for more open habitat
s.
Butterfly
A butterfly is a mainly day-flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, which includes the butterflies and moths. Like other holometabolous insects, the butterfly's life cycle consists of four parts: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Most species are diurnal. Butterflies have large, often brightly coloured...
of the Pieridae
Pieridae
The Pieridae are a large family of butterflies with about 76 genera containing approximately 1,100 species, mostly from tropical Africa and Asia. Most pierid butterflies are white, yellow or orange in coloration, often with black spots...
family.
Appearance, behaviour and distribution
Réal's Wood White has been found in many western Europe countries but has not been found in Britain. In IrelandIreland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, where it was only positively identified in 2001, it is commoner and far more widespread than the Wood White L. sinapis. Since it looks and behaves like its close relative further research is needed to discover its true distribution, indeed on the continent its current known distribution is suspiciously patchy. The only conclusive way to separate the two species is by close examination of the genitalia.
A 2011 study concludes that L. reali is one of three members of a cryptic species complex which also includes L. sinapis and a new species L. juvernica (stat.nov.) This study was based on karyotype
Karyotype
A karyotype is the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of an eukaryotic cell. The term is also used for the complete set of chromosomes in a species, or an individual organism.p28...
analysis and analysis of mitochondrial nuclear DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
markers. L. reali was found to occur only in Spain, Italy and Southern France.Leptidea juvernica nov. stat. ranges from Ireland and France in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. Measurements of genitalia for the three species allow separation of these two species from L. sinapis. L .juvernica and L .reali could not be separated based on genitalia measurements.
Leptidea juvernica is also named the Cryptic Wood White.
Field lepidopterist
Lepidopterist
A lepidopterist is a person who specialises in the study of Lepidoptera, members of an order encompassing moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies, skipper butterflies, and moth-butterflies...
s have reported behavioural differences between L. reali and L. sinapis with Réal's being described as a stronger flier and with a preference for more open habitat
Habitat
* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...
s.
Lifecycle and foodplants
The lifecycle, flight period and foodplants appear at present to be similar to the Wood White.External links
- Butterfly Conservation Ireland Summary of the sinapis cryptic species complex.