Genetic, developmental, and neural changes underlying the evolution of butterfly mate preference

Area of Science:

• Behavioral genetics
• Neuroethology
• Evolutionary biology

Background:

• Genetic variation is linked to behavior, but the underlying neural circuits are often unknown.
• Mate choice in Heliconius cydno butterflies is based on wing color patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the neural circuit basis of mate choice behavior in Heliconius cydno butterflies.
• Connect genetic variation to behavioral differences through neural mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide association (GWA) studies to identify genetic variants.
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression during development.
• Single-cell electrophysiology to record photoreceptor activity.

Main Results:

• GWA variants associated with mate choice were linked to the wing color gene (K locus).
• Seven candidate genes showed differential expression in the visual system of males with different wing colors.
• A physiological difference in the male eye, involving UV-sensitive photoreceptor inhibition, correlated with wing color.

Conclusions:

• Alterations in the peripheral nervous system, driven by genetic and gene expression changes, can rapidly modify essential behaviors like mate choice.
• Evolutionarily labile changes in the visual system can underlie rapid shifts in behavioral preference.