scholarly journals Genetic switch in UV response of mimicry-related pale-yellow colors in Batesian mimic butterfly, Papilio polytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. eabd6475
Author(s):  
Shinichi Yoda ◽  
Kousuke Sakakura ◽  
Tasuku Kitamura ◽  
Yûsuke KonDo ◽  
Kazuki Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Color Pattern ◽  
Mate Preference ◽  
Batesian Mimicry ◽  
Genetic Switch ◽  
Pale Yellow ◽  
Uv Response ◽  
Different Color ◽  
Yellow Region ◽  
Wing Scales ◽  
Papilio Polytes

In a Batesian mimic butterfly Papilio polytes, mimetic females resemble an unpalatable model, Pachliopta aristolochiae, but exhibit a different color pattern from nonmimetic females and males. In particular, the pale-yellow region on hind wings, which correspondingly sends important putative signals for mimicry and mate preference, is different in shape and chemical features between nonmimetic and mimetic morphs. Recently, we found that mimetic-type doublesex [dsx (H)] causes mimetic traits; however, the control of dimorphic pale-yellow colors remains unclear. Here, we revealed that dsx (H) switched the pale-yellow colors from UV-excited fluorescent type (nonmimetic) to UV-reflecting type (mimetic), by repressing the papiliochrome II synthesis genes and nanostructural changes in wing scales. Photoreceptor reactivities showed that some birds and butterflies could effectively recognize mimetic and nonmimetic pale-yellow colors, suggesting that a genetic switch in the UV response of pale-yellow colors may play essential roles in establishing the dimorphic female-limited Batesian mimicry.

A revision of Holothuria (Halodeima) kefersteinii (Selenka, 1867) and the revival of Holothuria inornata Semper, 1868 from sea cucumbers collected in Mexico and Central America

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4377 (2) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
MAGALI HONEY-ESCANDÓN ◽  
FRANCISCO A. SOLÍS-MARÍN
Keyword(s):  
Central America ◽  
Ecological Study ◽  
Original Description ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Sea Cucumbers ◽  
Mexican Pacific ◽  
Different Color

In 1958 Deichmann synonymized Holothuria inornata Semper, 1868 with Holothuria kefersteinii (Selenka, 1867). This nomenclature has been adopted until now. However, some specimens recently collected from the Mexican Pacific matched the original description of H. inornata Semper (1868) whereas others matched the original description by Selenka (1867). A morphological, molecular and ecological study of the specimens was conducted to confirm the identification of these specimens. The morphological characters of our specimens were compared with those contained in the original descriptions and figures of the types of both species. Besides the different color pattern of live specimens of both species, the main differences found are the presence of straight distally perforated rods in the dorsal papillae, and the presence of Holothuriophilus trapeziformis Nauck, 1880 in the cloaca of H. inornata, versus the absence of these kind of rods in the dorsal papillae, and the absence of symbionts in the cloaca in H. kefersteinii. The species identified by Deichmann (1958) as H. kefersteinii is, in fact H. inornata. Both species might have been confused because the morphology of preserved specimens is very similar and the presence of the straight rods in papillae might have been overlooked during identification. A more thorough review of the ossicles from the specimens, together with the comparison of ossicles from the type specimens, has allowed the resurrection of long-forgotten species, H. inornata 

scholarly journals Taxonomy of the Brazilian firefly Cladodes illigeri (Coleoptera, Lampyridae): morphology and new records

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Felipe Lima da Silveira ◽  
Milada Bocakova ◽  
José Ricardo M. Mermudes
Keyword(s):  
New Records ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Atlantic Rainforest ◽  
Pale Yellow ◽  
Median Margin

ABSTRACT Cladodes illigeri (Kirby, 1818) is redescribed, and can be distinguished by the following features: color pattern overall black, paired spots and elytral margins pale yellow; pygidium bisinuate, posterior angles rounded, as long as median margin; and aedeagus with phallus 1/3 shorter than the parameres, which are sinuated apically. Cladodes lamellicornis (Motschulsky, 1854) is proposed as a junior synomym of C. illigeri. New records from the Atlantic Rainforest and illustrations for structural features are provided.

scholarly journals A New Scaphelline Volute from the Gulf of Mexico

The Festivus ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
Edward Petuch ◽  
David Berschauer
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Yucatan Peninsula ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
The Other ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Yucatán Peninsula ◽  
Different Color

A new subspecies of Scaphella junonia has been discovered off the Alacranes Reefs, along the northernmost edge of Campeche Bank, Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The new subspecies, here named Scaphella junonia curryi, differs from the other four known S. junonia subspecies in having the narrowest and most elongated shell, having the strongest and most extensive ribbed sculpture on the spire whorls, and in having a different color pattern composed of very large, almost fused rectangular spots. The new subspecies is confined to the edge of the Campeche Escarpment off the northern Campeche Bank islands and reefs.

scholarly journals Genetic Basis of Melanin Pigmentation in Butterfly Wings

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Zhang ◽  
Arnaud Martin ◽  
Michael W. Perry ◽  
Karin R.L. van der Burg ◽  
Yuji Matsuoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Wing Pattern ◽  
Butterfly Wing ◽  
Melanin Pigmentation ◽  
Evolution And Development ◽  
Wing Patterns ◽  
Pattern Development ◽  
Different Color ◽  
Melanin Pathway

AbstractDespite the variety, prominence, and adaptive significance of butterfly wing patterns surprisingly little known about the genetic basis of wing color diversity. Even though there is intense interest in wing pattern evolution and development, the technical challenge of genetically manipulating butterflies has slowed efforts to functionally characterize color pattern development genes. To identify candidate wing pigmentation genes we used RNA-seq to characterize transcription across multiple stages of butterfly wing development, and between different color pattern elements, in the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui. This allowed us to pinpoint genes specifically associated with red and black pigment patterns. To test the functions of a subset of genes associated with presumptive melanin pigmentation we used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in four different butterfly genera. pale, Ddc, and yellow knockouts displayed reduction of melanin pigmentation, consistent with previous findings in other insects. Interestingly, however, yellow-d, ebony, and black knockouts revealed that these genes have localized effects on tuning the color of red, brown, and ochre pattern elements. These results point to previously undescribed mechanisms for modulating the color of specific wing pattern elements in butterflies, and provide an expanded portrait of the insect melanin pathway.

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