1
|
Garzón-Orduña IJ, Silva-Brandão KL, Willmott K, Freitas AVL, Wahlberg N, Brower AVZ. Wing pattern diversity in Eunica butterflies (Nymphalidae: Biblidinae): phylogenetic analysis implies decoupled adaptive trends in dorsal sexual dimorphism and ventral eyespot evolution. Cladistics 2024; 40:1-20. [PMID: 37712878 DOI: 10.1111/cla.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Butterfly eyespots are wing patterns reminiscent of vertebrate eyes, formed by concentric rings of contrastingly coloured scales. Eyespots are usually located close to the wing margin and often regarded as the single most conspicuous pattern element of butterfly wing colour displays. Recent efforts to understand the processes involved in the formation of eyespots have been driven mainly by evo-devo approaches focused on model species. However, patterns of change implied by phylogenetic relationships can also inform hypotheses about the underlying developmental mechanisms associated with the formation or disappearance of eyespots, and the limits of phenotypic diversity occurring in nature. Here we present a combined evidence phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Eunica, a prominent member of diverse Neotropical butterfly communities, that features notable variation among species in eyespot patterns on the ventral hind wing surface. The data matrix consists of one mitochondrial gene region (COI), four nuclear gene regions (GAPDH, RPS5, EF1a and Wingless) and 68 morphological characters. A combined cladistic analysis with all the characters concatenated produced a single most parsimonious tree that, although fully resolved, includes many nodes with modest branch support. The phylogenetic hypothesis presented corroborates a previously proposed morphological trend leading to the loss of eyespots, together with an increase in the size of the conserved eyespots, relative to outgroup taxa. Furthermore, wing colour pattern dimorphism and the presence of androconia suggest that the most remarkable instances of sexual dimorphism are present in the species of Eunica with the most derived eyespot patterns, and are in most cases accompanied by autapomorphic combinations of scent scales and "hair pencils". We discuss natural and sexual selection as potential adaptive explanations for dorsal and ventral wing patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne J Garzón-Orduña
- Departamento de Zoología, Colección Nacional de Insectos, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-153, Mexico, Mexico D.F., 04510, Mexico
| | - Karina Lucas Silva-Brandão
- Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Museum of Nature Hamburg - Zoology, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
| | - Keith Willmott
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Diversity, University of Florida, 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Pasaje Rumipampa 341, Quito, Pichincha, 170506, Ecuador
| | - André V L Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biología, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, SP, 13.083-862, Brazil
| | - Niklas Wahlberg
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, Lund, 223 62, Sweden
| | - Andrew V Z Brower
- National Identification Services, Plant Protection and Quarantine, USDA-APHIS, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD, 20737, USA
- Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 10th Street and Constitution Ave., Washington, DC, 20560, USA
- Division of Invertebrates, American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Radford C, McNutt JW, Rogers T, Maslen B, Jordan N. Artificial eyespots on cattle reduce predation by large carnivores. Commun Biol 2020; 3:430. [PMID: 32770111 PMCID: PMC7414152 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01156-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Eyespots evolved independently in many taxa as anti-predator signals. There remains debate regarding whether eyespots function as diversion targets, predator mimics, conspicuous startling signals, deceptive detection, or a combination. Although eye patterns and gaze modify human behaviour, anti-predator eyespots do not occur naturally in contemporary mammals. Here we show that eyespots painted on cattle rumps were associated with reduced attacks by ambush carnivores (lions and leopards). Cattle painted with eyespots were significantly more likely to survive than were cross-marked and unmarked cattle, despite all treatment groups being similarly exposed to predation risk. While higher survival of eyespot-painted cattle supports the detection hypothesis, increased survival of cross-marked cattle suggests an effect of novel and conspicuous marks more generally. To our knowledge, this is the first time eyespots have been shown to deter large mammalian predators. Applying artificial marks to high-value livestock may therefore represent a cost-effective tool to reduce livestock predation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Radford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Botswana Predator Conservation, Private Bag 13,, Maun, Botswana
| | | | - Tracey Rogers
- Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ben Maslen
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Neil Jordan
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Botswana Predator Conservation, Private Bag 13,, Maun, Botswana.
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Taronga Conservation Society, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Humphreys RK, Ruxton GD. What is known and what is not yet known about deflection of the point of a predator’s attack. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blx164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind K Humphreys
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Dyer’s Brae House, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Graeme D Ruxton
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Dyer’s Brae House, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pinheiro CEG, Freitas AVL, Campos VC, DeVries PJ, Penz CM. Both Palatable and Unpalatable Butterflies Use Bright Colors to Signal Difficulty of Capture to Predators. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 45:107-113. [PMID: 26911159 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-015-0359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Birds are able to recognize and learn to avoid attacking unpalatable, chemically defended butterflies after unpleasant experiences with them. It has also been suggested that birds learn to avoid prey that are efficient at escaping. This, however, remains poorly documented. Here, we argue that butterflies may utilize a variety of escape tactics against insectivorous birds and review evidence that birds avoid attacking butterflies that are hard to catch. We suggest that signaling difficulty of capture to predators is a widespread phenomenon in butterflies, and this ability may not be limited to palatable butterflies. The possibility that both palatable and unpalatable species signal difficulty of capture has not been fully explored, but helps explain the existence of aposematic coloration and escape mimicry in butterflies lacking defensive chemicals. This possibility may also change the role that putative Müllerian and Batesian mimics play in a variety of classical mimicry rings, thus opening new perspectives in the evolution of mimicry in butterflies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E G Pinheiro
- Depto de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
| | - A V L Freitas
- Depto de Biologia Animal and Museu de Zoologia, Univ Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - V C Campos
- Depto de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Univ de Brasília - UnB, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - P J DeVries
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Univ of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - C M Penz
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Univ of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prudic KL, Stoehr AM, Wasik BR, Monteiro A. Eyespots deflect predator attack increasing fitness and promoting the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 282:20141531. [PMID: 25392465 PMCID: PMC4262162 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Some eyespots are thought to deflect attack away from the vulnerable body, yet there is limited empirical evidence for this function and its adaptive advantage. Here, we demonstrate the conspicuous ventral hindwing eyespots found on Bicyclus anynana butterflies protect against invertebrate predators, specifically praying mantids. Wet season (WS) butterflies with larger, brighter eyespots were easier for mantids to detect, but more difficult to capture compared to dry season (DS) butterflies with small, dull eyespots. Mantids attacked the wing eyespots of WS butterflies more frequently resulting in greater butterfly survival and reproductive success. With a reciprocal eyespot transplant, we demonstrated the fitness benefits of eyespots were independent of butterfly behaviour. Regardless of whether the butterfly was WS or DS, large marginal eyespots pasted on the hindwings increased butterfly survival and successful oviposition during predation encounters. In previous studies, DS B. anynana experienced delayed detection by vertebrate predators, but both forms suffered low survival once detected. Our results suggest predator abundance, identity and phenology may all be important selective forces for B. anynana. Thus, reciprocal selection between invertebrate and vertebrate predators across seasons may contribute to the evolution of the B. anynana polyphenism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L Prudic
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Andrew M Stoehr
- Department of Biology, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bethany R Wasik
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore NUS-Yale College, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
This article reviews the latest developments in our understanding of the origin, development, and evolution of nymphalid butterfly eyespots. Recent contributions to this field include insights into the evolutionary and developmental origin of eyespots and their ancestral deployment on the wing, the evolution of eyespot number and eyespot sexual dimorphism, and the identification of genes affecting eyespot development and black pigmentation. I also compare features of old and more recently proposed models of eyespot development and propose a schematic for the genetic regulatory architecture of eyespots. Using this schematic I propose two hypotheses for why we observe limits to morphological diversity across these serially homologous traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antónia Monteiro
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, and Yale-NUS-College, Singapore;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pinheiro CEG, Freitas AVL. Some Possible Cases of Escape Mimicry in Neotropical Butterflies. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 43:393-398. [PMID: 27193948 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-014-0240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The possibility that escape or evasive mimicry evolved in butterflies and other prey insects in a similar fashion to classical Batesian and Müllerian mimicry has long been advanced in the literature. However, there is a general disagreement among lepidopterists and evolutionary biologists on whether or not escape mimicry exists, as well as in which mimicry rings this form of mimicry has evolved. Here, we review some purported cases of escape mimicry in Neotropical butterflies and suggest new mimicry rings involving several species of Archaeoprepona, Prepona, and Doxocopa (the "bright blue bands" ring) and species of Colobura and Hypna (the "creamy bands" ring) where the palatability of butterflies, their ability to escape predator attacks, geographic distribution, relative abundance, and co-occurrence in the same habitats strongly suggest that escape mimicry is involved. In addition, we also indicate other butterfly taxa whose similarities of coloration patterns could be due to escape mimicry and would constitute important case studies for future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E G Pinheiro
- Depto de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Univ de Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
| | - A V L Freitas
- Depto de Biologia Animal e Museu de Zoologia, Univ Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|