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Published on: February 26, 2016
Emergence time difference can create negative frequency dependence and maintain a colour polymorphism in Colias
Kora Klein1,2, Christopher West Wheat3, Hanna Kokko2,4
1School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Summary
Colias butterflies exhibit color polymorphism due to a trade-off between faster development and male attractiveness. A new model reveals how phenology and male mating strategies stabilize this trait, maintaining genetic diversity in butterfly populations.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colias butterflies display female-limited color polymorphism, with white (Alba) and orange morphs.
- A known trade-off exists: Alba morphs have faster development and higher fecundity, while orange morphs are more attractive to males.
- Previous models failed to explain how this trade-off generates frequency-dependent selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the stability of female-limited color polymorphism in Colias butterflies.
- To investigate the role of phenology and mating behavior in maintaining this polymorphism.
- To demonstrate how the life-history trade-off can generate negative frequency-dependent selection.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a mathematical model incorporating phenology and mating dynamics.
- Analysis of generation overlap and eclosion order (males, Alba females, orange females).
- Evaluation of male spermatophore replenishment rates and their impact on selection.
Main Results:
- Phenology, specifically eclosion order, is crucial for polymorphism stability.
- Distinct temporal niches for morphs can arise, but require specific conditions for coexistence.
- Sufficient male mating capacity leads to negative frequency-dependent selection, stabilizing the polymorphism.
Conclusions:
- The trade-off between development time and attractiveness can maintain stable polymorphism in Colias butterflies under realistic conditions.
- Phenological differences and male mating strategies are key factors in the evolution and maintenance of this trait.
- The study provides a model explaining negative frequency-dependent selection in this butterfly system.
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