Apparent influences of host-plant distribution on the structure and the genetic variability of local populations of the Purple Clay (Diarsia brunnea)

No detectable genetic differences were observed between the populations of the two forest sites. But, although it was not possible to separate on the simple basis of the sampling site, a non-spatial structuring of three sub-populations became apparent. Three of the host plants known for this moth are present in the sampled locations. Three genetically distinct sub-populations were discovered which correlated with the abundance of the three host plants in the two forest plots.