Analysis of the Nicrophorus vespilloides (Silphidae, Coleoptera) elytra pattern from three regions of Karelia

Nicrophorus vespilloides populations from three regions of Karelia were analyzed. Morphological variability of Nicrophorus vespilloides elytra pattern was investigated using Quantum GIS 2.2.0 program. General contour of the right beetle elytra was made for all images of Nicrophorus vespilloides. The total elytra area and dark parts proportion and area were found. It was revealed that these populations have very similar elytra patterns. The proportion of dark areas varies from 49 to 71 %. Nicrophorus vespilloides from the southern region of Karelia have lighter elytra color than that of the individuals from the northern regions. Also it was found that the pattern spots are more variable than the bridges. It may be caused by conditions of pigment filling of the pattern elements.