Rattlesnake-master Borer Moths, Papaipema eryngii , are an imperiled species, that has had little genetic analysis done. A new paper from INHS PaCE Lab, led by affiliate Donald B. Shepard, examines the genetic diversity of this species across its range, information necessary to accurately inform management actions and Species Status Assessments.
Shepard and colleagues were able to collect legs of 72 specimens from the extensive collections of J. Wiker and J. Bess, representing 6 of the 8 states with historical records of the species. Mitochondrial haplotypes were shared in geographically separated populations indicating they were likely connected when their open grassland habitats were more expansive. Habitat corridors between existing populations can improve gene flow and prevent inbreeding.
Additional sampling and genetic analysis may be necessary to capture the more recent genetic shifts of populations separated by habitat fragmentation.