Kuulutus: apua heinäsirkka- ja töpökattinäytteiden keruuseen

Italialainen tutkija Mattia Ragazzini kaipaa Suomesta heinäsirkka- ja töpökattinäytteitä. Hän tutkii eurooppalaisten suorasiipisten populaatiogenetiikkaa, fylogeniaa ja lajiutumista. Lue alta, miten voit osallistua näytteiden keruuseen ja auttaa tutkijaa hankkeessaan.

"My name is Mattia Ragazzini and I am a PhD student in Ecology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. We are looking for Finnish Orthoptera specimens for a DNA/genomic study on population structure, phylogeography and taxonomy. The main target species are Pseudochorthippus parallelus (nurmiheinäsirkka), Pseudochorthippus montanus (nevaheinäsirkka), Roeseliana roeselii (heinätöpökatti) and Metrioptera brachyptera (kanervatöpökatti).

We are especially interested in specimens from peatlands, bogs, wet meadows and similar open habitats. In previous genomic analyses, we detected a possible distinct red-backed lineage within or close to the Pseudochorthippus parallelus / P. montanus complex, apparently associated with northern peatlands. Finnish material could be very important to understand its distribution and taxonomic status.

Ideally, we would need around 8–10 individuals per locality, but 6 samples can also be useful as a minimum. For Pseudochorthippus, adult whole specimens are preferred. For Roeseliana roeselii and Metrioptera brachyptera, if identification is certain, single hind legs in ethanol can also be useful; reliably identified R. Roeselii and M. brachyptera nymphs are also welcome.

Samples should ideally be preserved in 95–99% ethanol, with coordinates, date, collector name and habitat notes. We can provide collection tubes if needed.

Contributions will be fully acknowledged, and substantial scientific contributions can lead to co-authorship.

To participate or ask for more details, please contact Mattia Ragazzini at mattia.ragazzini@uzh.ch or at +39 345 462 6512."