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Hot temperature during development alters iridescence in Morpho butterflies
Juliette J Rubin1,2, Leo T Camino1, Yanileth F López-Tacoaman1
1Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Apartado 0843-03092, Republic of Panamá.
PNAS Nexus
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Environmental temperature significantly impacts butterfly iridescence. Hotter conditions disrupt structural coloration in Morpho butterflies, altering their appearance and potentially affecting predator-prey interactions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Environmental temperature influences ectotherm phenotypes, particularly plastic traits like color.
- Structural coloration in Morpho butterflies, generated by wing scale nanostructures, produces blue iridescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of developmental temperature on the structural coloration of Morpho helenor.
- To simulate climate change scenarios and predict their impact on butterfly iridescence.
Main Methods:
- Morpho helenor larvae were reared and pupae exposed to control, cool, and hot temperature regimes.
- Adult butterfly wing brightness, color profile, and nanostructure morphology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hot temperatures reduced wing brightness and altered color profiles, making butterflies appear different to predators and conspecifics.
- The iridescent effect was diminished or obliterated under hot conditions.
- Nanostructure gap reduction and scale narrowing were identified as underlying mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Structural color in butterflies is vulnerable to developmental temperature fluctuations.
- Climate change may significantly impact the iridescence and visual signaling of tropical butterflies.
- Understanding temperature effects is crucial for predicting the future diversity of iridescent organisms.
