International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 34-41 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 34 Review and Perspectives Open Access Relationship Between Genetic Diversity and Habitat Preference: A Case Study of Butterflies (Rhopalocera) Jun Wang, Qibing Xu Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: Qibingxu@foxmail.com International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2024.14.0005 Received: 21 Dec., 2023 Accepted: 30 Jan., 2024 Published: 27 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang and Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang J., and Xu Q.B., 2024, Relationship between genetic diversity and habitat preference: a case study of butterflies (Rhopalocera), International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 14(1): 34-41 (doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2024.14.0005) Abstract This study analyzes the relationship between genetic diversity and habitat preference in butterflies (Rhopalocera). It systematically introduces the diversity of butterflies, including their extensive classification and ecological distribution, as well as their life cycle and behavioral characteristics. The concepts of genetic diversity and habitat preference are further explored, emphasizing their importance for species survival and adaptability. By reviewing existing research, including the application of genomic technologies in butterfly studies and the factors influencing butterfly habitat preferences, the study delves into the association between butterfly genetic diversity and habitat preference, highlighting differences among various butterfly species and possible mechanisms. This research provides scientific evidence and future research directions for understanding the relationship between butterfly ecology and genetics. Keywords Butterflies (Rhopalocera); Genetic diversity; Habitat preference; Ecology; Conservation research 1 Introduction The butterfly (Rhopalocera) is one of the fascinating representatives of biodiversity in the insect kingdom. They are famous for their magnificent wings, colorful colors, and charming flight postures, attracting the interest of countless biologists and nature enthusiasts. However, the charm of butterflies is not limited to their beauty. These organisms are also important ecosystem members and play a crucial role in plant pollination, ecological chain balance, and ecosystem stability (Feng et al., 2021). With the increasingly severe disturbance and habitat loss of global ecosystems, there is an urgent need to protect and conserve sensitive organisms such as butterflies. Understanding the relationship between genetic diversity within butterfly populations and their preferences for different habitats has become crucial (Sun et al., 2020). Genetic diversity is often considered a determining factor for population adaptability and survival, while habitat preference involves the environment in which butterflies choose to live and reproduce. This not only helps to reveal the adaptability and survival mechanisms of butterflies, but also provides scientific basis for formulating protection strategies to ensure their survival. This study will delve into the relationship between genetic diversity and habitat preferences, summarize existing research results, explore the differences between different butterfly species, and propose future research directions. By conducting in-depth research on the relationship between butterfly genetic diversity and habitat preferences, the aim is to provide scientific basis for better protecting this fascinating biological population and maintaining the stability and diversity of ecosystems. 2 Diversity of Butterflies 2.1 Classification and ecological distribution of butterflies Butterfly is a member of the Lepidoptera order in the Insecta phylum, which is a class of insects with wings and scales covering them. This major category includes nearly 18 000 different butterfly species, which are further subdivided into different families, genera, and species based on their external morphology and genetic characteristics (Xie et al., 2018). These different taxonomic units have their own unique characteristics, such as wing shape, body color, and lifestyle habits, which enable them to adapt to different ecological environments.
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