Complex dynamics underlie the evolution of imperfect wing pattern convergence in butterflies

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Adaptive radiation drives rapid diversification linked to ecological specialization.
• Understanding adaptive diversification requires knowledge of natural selection across life-history stages.
• The Neotropical butterfly genus Adelpha exhibits significant diversity and widespread convergent evolution, suggesting mimicry influences adaptive divergence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of mimicry in adaptive divergence within the Adelpha butterfly genus.
• To test the hypothesis that palatable Adelpha species benefit from mimicking toxic species via reduced predation.

Main Methods:

• Predation experiments using artificial butterfly facsimiles were conducted in Costa Rica.
• Attack rates on palatable mimics and toxic models were compared to assess predation pressure.

Main Results:

• Contrary to predictions, the presumed mimic Adelpha species was attacked significantly more than its toxic model.
• Attack rates on the mimic paralleled those on novel and palatable prey, indicating a lack of protection.
• The study provides the first evidence of avian predator protection for toxic, Rubiaceae-feeding Adelpha species.

Conclusions:

• Imprecise mimetic patterns carry substantial costs for Batesian mimics in tropical environments.
• Convergent evolution in Adelpha may not solely be driven by mimicry-related predation benefits for palatable species.