Distinct Morphological Traits of Korean Populations of Pryeria sinica Moore (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) Associated With Regional Variation

Abstract

Pryeria sinica Moore is a significant pest of Celastraceae and Pentaphylacaceae plants, causing extensive defoliation in East Asia and beyond. Although its morphological and biological characteristics have been studied in China and Japan, detailed research on the Korean population remains limited. This study investigated the morphological characteristics of Korean P. sinica populations, including stage-specific changes, sexual dimorphism, cocoons, and wings. The morphological analysis revealed that the Korean population shows distinct differences from other East Asian populations in the distribution of spiracles and wing venation. Notably, the Korean population exhibited spiracles from the first to eighth abdominal segments, whereas the Taiwanese population lacked spiracles on the first segment. Wing venation patterns differed, particularly in the bifurcation of cubital and anal veins, suggesting divergence between Chinese and Taiwanese populations compared to Korean and Japanese populations. The morphological differences identified in this study are interpreted as regional variation influenced by local environmental conditions. However, whether such variation reflects environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity or more fundamental differences indicative of potential speciation requires further clarification through molecular studies.