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BUTTERFLY EYESPOTS: THE GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLOR RINGS.

Antónia Monteiro1,2, Paul M Brakefield1, Vernon French2

  • 1Section of Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Evolutionary and Ecological Sciences, University of Leiden, Kaiserstraat 63, Post Box 9516, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
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Summary

Artificial selection on butterfly eyespots created distinct color patterns. Genetic variation in wing epidermis response to focus signaling drives these changes, influenced by sex and ecology.

Keywords:
Bicyclus anynanabutterflycolor patterncorrelated responsesdevelopmenteyespotgradientpattern formationselectionthresholdswing pattern

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • The butterfly *Bicyclus anynana* exhibits complex wing eyespots with distinct color rings.
  • Eyespot coloration is crucial for species recognition, predator deterrence, and sexual selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic basis of eyespot color variation in *Bicyclus anynana*.
  • To determine how artificial selection impacts eyespot morphology and underlying genetic architecture.

Main Methods:

  • Artificial selection was applied to manipulate gold ring and black disc size in forewing eyespots.
  • Surgical experiments on pupal wings assessed the role of wing epidermis and focus signaling.
  • Quantitative genetic analyses were used to estimate heritability and genetic variance.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct lines (BLACK and GOLD) with significantly altered eyespot phenotypes were rapidly generated.
  • Correlated changes in other eyespots indicated pleiotropic effects of selected genes.
  • Additive genetic variance was localized to the wing epidermis's response to the eyespot focus, varying by wing region and sex.

Conclusions:

  • The study demonstrates substantial additive genetic variance for eyespot pattern development.
  • Wing epidermis responsiveness to focus signaling is a key developmental target for evolutionary change.
  • Sex-specific and ecologically relevant factors likely maintain high genetic variation for eyespot traits.