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The relationship between mimetic imperfection and phenotypic variation in insect colour patterns
Graham Holloway1, Francis Gilbert, Amoret Brandt
1Division of Zoology, AMS Building, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AJ, UK. g.j.holloway@reading.ac.uk
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|March 12, 2002
Summary
Hoverfly mimicry of wasps and bees shows higher color pattern variation in Müllerian mimics and non-mimics than Batesian mimics. This suggests relaxed selection pressures on non-mimics and Müllerian mimics, unlike Batesian mimics.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal behavior
- Ecology
Background:
- Hoverflies (Syrphidae) often mimic stinging insects like wasps and bees through coloration and behavior.
- Mimicry plays a crucial role in predator avoidance and species interactions within ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between phenotypic variation in color pattern and mimetic perfection in hoverflies.
- To test four predictions regarding the evolution of mimicry and its relationship with variation and imperfection.
Main Methods:
- Assessed mimetic perfection using pigeons as predators.
- Examined color pattern variation in 10 Batesian hoverfly mimics, 3 Müllerian wasp mimics (Vespula spp.), and 2 non-mimetic fly species.
Main Results:
- Only the fourth prediction was supported: Müllerian mimics, highly effective Batesian mimics, and non-mimetic flies exhibited greater variation than other Batesian mimics.
- This suggests relaxed selection pressures on species that are either defended (Müllerian) or not targeted by specific predators.
Conclusions:
- Mimetic perfection in hoverflies is influenced by predation pressures and the defensive capabilities of model species.
- Variation in mimicry is not solely driven by an ongoing evolutionary process towards perfection but also by relaxed selection.