Natural hybridization between two swallowtail species Parnassius nomion and Parnassius bremeri (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) shown by RAPD-PCR

Genetic evidence for interspecific hybridization between Parnassius nonzion and Parniassius bremeri in nature is presented. To demonstrate hybridizati on between these species, RAPD analysis was used. By testing 25 decamer pri mers, three and two diagnostic markers were revealed for P. nomion and P. b remeri, respectively. Out of 28 animals examined, 4 were shown to be inters pecific hybrids. According to the distribution of diagnostic markers, the i nterspecific hybrids were intermediate with regard to the parental species. Ecological and biological characteristics of two butterfly species that pr omote their hybridization in nature are discussed.