Integrative Evidence Supports Species Status of the Taiwanese Endemic Papilio maraho
The species status of Taiwanese endangered Papilio maraho, and its continental sister butterfly, Papilio elwesi, has long been disputed due to their similar morphology and limited molecular differentiation, complicating ESU designation and subsequent management actions. In this study, we provide clear evidence that the two taxa form reciprocally monophyletic groups based on integrated wing morphometrics and mitogenomic data. Notably, P. maraho possesses broader hindwings with a substantially higher proportion of red scaling, whereas P. elwesi exhibits narrower, elongated hindwings dominated by black pigmentation. The two taxa also differ significantly in genetic variation. Taken together, these results support species-level recognition for the Taiwanese endemic P. maraho, which is further restricted by its specialization on the rare hostplant, Sassafras randaiense, thereby underscoring the need for targeted habitat management and focused conservation actions.
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