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Li M, Liu J, Chen S, Yao J, Shi L, Chen H, Chen X. VOC Characterization of Byasa hedistus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) and Its Visual and Olfactory Responses during Foraging and Courtship. INSECTS 2024; 15:548. [PMID: 39057280 PMCID: PMC11276791 DOI: 10.3390/insects15070548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Color and odor are crucial cues for butterflies during foraging and courtship. While most sexual dimorphic butterflies rely more on vision, our understanding of how butterflies with similar coloration use different signals remains limited. This study investigated the visual and olfactory behavioral responses of the similarly colored butterfly Byasa hedistus during foraging and courtship. While visiting artificial flowers of different colors, we found that B. hedistus exhibits an innate color preference, with a sequence of preferences for red, purple, and blue. The frequency of flower visits by B. hedistus significantly increased when honey water was sprayed on the artificial flowers, but it hardly visited apetalous branches with honey water. This proves that locating nectar sources by odor alone is difficult in the absence of floral color guides. During courtship, males are active while females hardly chase; only two models were observed: males chasing males and males chasing females. The courtship process includes four behaviors: slowing approach, straight chasing, hovering, and spinning. B. hedistus cannot distinguish between sexes based on color, as there is no significant difference in color and shape between them. Twenty-three VOCs (>1%) were identified in B. hedistus, with 21 shared by both sexes, while ketones are specific to males. These VOCs are principally represented by cineole, β-pinene, and linalool. When cineole was added to butterfly mimics, many butterflies were attracted to them, but the butterflies did not seem to distinguish between males and females. This suggests that cineole may be the feature VOC for identifying conspecific groups. Adding β-pinene and linalool to mimics induced numerous butterflies to chase, hover, spin around, and attempt to mate with them. This suggests that β-pinene and linalool are crucial cues indicating the presence of females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtao Li
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.L.); (S.C.); (J.Y.); (H.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China;
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China;
| | - Shunan Chen
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.L.); (S.C.); (J.Y.); (H.C.)
| | - Jun Yao
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.L.); (S.C.); (J.Y.); (H.C.)
| | - Lei Shi
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.L.); (S.C.); (J.Y.); (H.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China;
| | - Hang Chen
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.L.); (S.C.); (J.Y.); (H.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China;
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China;
- Research Center of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China
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Tiong GJL, Naing L, Ng E, Dion E, Monteiro A. Tympanal ears mediate male-male competition, courtship and mating success in Bicyclus anynana butterflies. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231386. [PMID: 38545613 PMCID: PMC10966401 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The presence of intra-specific acoustic communication in diurnal butterflies is not well established. Here, we examined the function of the tympanal ear (Vogel's organ, VO) in the seasonally polyphenic butterfly Bicyclus anynana in the context of sexual signalling. We investigated how the VO and the flanking enlarged veins, which are suggested sound resonance chambers, scale with wing size across sexes and seasonal forms, and how disruptions to the VO alter courtship behaviour and mating outcomes. We found that males have VOs similar in size to females despite having smaller wings, and dry season (DS) male cubital and anal veins do not scale with the wing size. This suggests that the VO plays an important role in males and that cubital and anal veins in DS males may be tuned to amplify specific sound frequencies. Behavioural assays performed with deafened and hearing males of different seasonal forms, in pair and triad settings, showed that deafened DS males, but not wet season males, experienced lower mating success relative to their hearing counterparts. Our study documents a novel function for the wing tympanal membrane in mediating courtship and mating outcomes in diurnal butterflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galen J. L. Tiong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Lin Naing
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Edwin Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Emilie Dion
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore117543, Republic of Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore117543, Republic of Singapore
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Chen S, Li M, Liu J, Feng Y, Yao J, Shi L, Chen X. Colour Selection and Olfactory Responses of Papilio demoleus during Foraging and Courtship. INSECTS 2023; 14:249. [PMID: 36975934 PMCID: PMC10056065 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Colours and odours are the most important cues for butterflies to localise food and mating partners. We studied the visual and olfactory responses of the widely distributed butterfly Papilio demoleus Linnaeus during foraging and courtship. P. demoleus visited odourless flowers with six colours except green and black, with red as the favourite colour (650-780 nm). Males and females differed in behaviour while visiting flowers. Males were more active than females during foraging. The application of honey water resulted in a significant increase in flower visits by both females and males, and they scarcely visited the apetalous branches with odours. Under natural conditions, four patterns were observed: males chasing males (42.28%), males chasing females (30.56%), females chasing females (13.73%), and females chasing males (13.43%). Males chasing males was the most frequent, probably because males drive away competing con-specific males. When butterflies visited odourless mimics, males chasing females (70.73%) and males chasing males (29.27%) also occurred, indicating that males could accurately distinguish mates using colours only without any chemical cues, and females need chemical cues. The behavioural responses of P. demoleus to floral visits and courtship suggest that colour is the dominant factor during foraging and courtship. We verified the presence of P. demoleus rhodopsin genes, including Rh2, Rh3, Rh4, and Rh5, for long wavelength, blue, and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum recognition, which is consistent with the colour recognition of flowers and wings during visiting flowers and courtship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunan Chen
- Resource Insect Research Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (S.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Mingtao Li
- Resource Insect Research Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (S.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Resource Insect Research Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (S.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Resource Insect Research Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (S.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Jun Yao
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Kunming 650233, China
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Resource Insect Research Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650233, China; (S.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Kunming 650233, China
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Visual cues and body volatile β-ocimene are used by the blue tiger butterfly Tirumala limniace to identify conspecifics during courtship. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Augustijnen H, Patsiou T, Lucek K. Secondary contact rather than coexistence-Erebia butterflies in the Alps. Evolution 2022; 76:2669-2686. [PMID: 36117267 PMCID: PMC9828779 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Secondary contact zones are ideal systems to study the processes that govern the evolution of reproductive barriers, especially at advanced stages of the speciation process. An increase in reproductive isolation resulting from selection against maladaptive hybrids is thought to contribute to reproductive barrier buildup in secondary contact zones. Although such processes have been invoked for many systems, it remains unclear to which extent they influence contact zone dynamics in nature. Here, we study a very narrow contact zone between the butterfly species Erebia cassioides and Erebia tyndarus in the Swiss Alps. We quantified phenotypic traits related to wing shape and reproduction as well as ecology to compare the degree of intra- and interspecific differentiation. Even though only very few first-generation hybrids occur, we find no strong indications for current reinforcing selection, suggesting that if reinforcement occurred in our system, it likely operated in the past. Additionally, we show that both species differ less in their ecological niche at the contact zone than elsewhere, which could explain why coexistence between these butterflies may currently not be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Augustijnen
- Department of Environmental SciencesUniversity of BaselBaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Theofania Patsiou
- Institute of Plant SciencesUniversity of BernBernCH‐3013Switzerland,Department of BiologyUniversity of FribourgFribourgCH‐1700Switzerland
| | - Kay Lucek
- Department of Environmental SciencesUniversity of BaselBaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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Nieberding CM, Beldade P, Baumlé V, San Martin G, Arun A, Lognay G, Montagné N, Bastin-Héline L, Jacquin-Joly E, Noirot C, Klopp C, Visser B. Mosaic Evolution of Molecular Pathways for Sex Pheromone Communication in a Butterfly. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1372. [PMID: 36011283 PMCID: PMC9407440 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the origin of molecular pathways underlying the evolution of adaptive traits is essential for understanding how new lineages emerge, including the relative contribution of conserved ancestral traits and newly evolved derived traits. Here, we investigated the evolutionary divergence of sex pheromone communication from moths (mostly nocturnal) to butterflies (mostly diurnal) that occurred ~119 million years ago. In moths, it is the females that typically emit pheromones to attract male mates, but in butterflies males emit pheromones that are used by females for mate choice. The molecular bases of sex pheromone communication are well understood in moths, but they have remained relatively unexplored in butterflies. We used a combination of transcriptomics, real time qPCR, and phylogenetics to identify genes involved in the different steps (i.e., production, regulation, and reception) of sex pheromone communication of the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Our results show that the biosynthesis and reception of sex pheromones relies both on moth-specific gene families (reductases) and on more ancestral insect gene families (desaturases, olfactory receptors, odorant binding proteins). Interestingly, B. anynana appears to use what was believed to be the moth-specific neuropeptide Pheromone Biosynthesis Activating Neuropeptide (PBAN) for regulating sex pheromone production. Altogether, our results suggest that a mosaic pattern best explains how sex pheromone communication evolved in butterflies, with some molecular components derived from moths, and others conserved from more ancient insect ancestors. This is the first large-scale investigation of the genetic pathways underlying sex pheromone communication in a butterfly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Nieberding
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Earth and Life Institute, UC Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (V.B.); (G.S.M.); (A.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Patrícia Beldade
- Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c) & Global Change and Sustainability Institute (CHANGE), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Véronique Baumlé
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Earth and Life Institute, UC Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (V.B.); (G.S.M.); (A.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Gilles San Martin
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Earth and Life Institute, UC Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (V.B.); (G.S.M.); (A.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Alok Arun
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Earth and Life Institute, UC Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (V.B.); (G.S.M.); (A.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Georges Lognay
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Earth and Life Institute, UC Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (V.B.); (G.S.M.); (A.A.); (G.L.)
| | - Nicolas Montagné
- INRAE, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Sorbonne Université, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Université de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (N.M.); (L.B.-H.); (E.J.-J.)
| | - Lucie Bastin-Héline
- INRAE, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Sorbonne Université, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Université de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (N.M.); (L.B.-H.); (E.J.-J.)
| | - Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly
- INRAE, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Sorbonne Université, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Université de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (N.M.); (L.B.-H.); (E.J.-J.)
| | - Céline Noirot
- Plateforme Bio-Informatique GenoToul, MIAT, INRAE, UR875 Mathématiques et Informatique Appliquées Toulouse, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; (C.N.); (C.K.)
| | - Christophe Klopp
- Plateforme Bio-Informatique GenoToul, MIAT, INRAE, UR875 Mathématiques et Informatique Appliquées Toulouse, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; (C.N.); (C.K.)
| | - Bertanne Visser
- Evolution and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
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Yoshimori K, Okuda C, Ohta S, Ômura H. Sex pheromones from male forewings of the Common Grass Yellow Eurema mandarina. J Chem Ecol 2022; 48:518-530. [PMID: 35821162 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-022-01368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The common grass yellow Eurema mandarina has a characteristic patch (sex brand) composed of specialized scales (androconia) and wing intermembranous cells on the ventral surface of its male forewing. This structure is specific to males and is thought to release compounds that induce female mate acceptance. However, no study has demonstrated that these compounds function as sex pheromones in the genus Eurema. Here we report the identification of sex pheromones in males of E. mandarina. Chemical analyses revealed that 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one (TMP) and (E/Z)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-enal [(E/Z)-phytal] were male-specific and abundant in particular regions of the male forewings. TMP was highest in the sex brand, whereas (E/Z)-phytal was concentrated in the anal cell (cell 2 A), lacking androconia and intermembranous cells. The content of these compounds increases with age in males after emergence. In bioassays, virgin females displayed a posture of bending their abdomens as mating acceptance in response to stimulation by fresh male forewings. However, solvent-washed male wings did not induce such female responses, suggesting that some compounds from male wings serve as triggers. When we examined female responses to compounds applied to solvent-washed male wings, authentic TMP and (E/Z)-phytal alone showed little activity. However, the mixture elicited abdomen-bending responses in one-third of the females. Therefore, TMP and (E/Z)-phytal were found to act synergistically as aphrodisiac sex pheromones for E. mandarina females, although these activities were weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Yoshimori
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, 739-8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Chika Okuda
- School of Applied Biological Science, Hiroshima University, 739-8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Shinji Ohta
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, 739-8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan.,School of Applied Biological Science, Hiroshima University, 739-8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan.,Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 739- 8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Hisashi Ômura
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, 739-8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan. .,School of Applied Biological Science, Hiroshima University, 739-8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan. .,Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 739- 8528, Higashihiroshima, Japan.
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Liu J, Li M, Chen S, Yao J, Shi L, Chen X. Comparative analysis on visual and olfactory signals of Papilio xuthus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) during foraging and courtship. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263709. [PMID: 35767532 PMCID: PMC9242464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the roles of visual and olfactory responses during foraging and courtship in butterfly Papilio xuthus. P. xuthus showed obvious orientation to color in the range of 350–500 nm. Visits of P. xuthus females and males to blue, purple, and red artificial cloth flowers were ♀ 54.90% and ♂ 39.22%, ♀ 19.61% and ♂ 35.29%, and ♀ 9.80% and ♂ 19.61%, respectively. Application of 10% honey on these artificial flowers resulted in an increase of 3.41 and 3.26 fold in flower visits by the butterfly compared to controls. When 10% honey water was sprayed on flower branches without colorful flowers, branch visiting was very low, only seven times for females and two times for males, indicating that colors might be more critical than odor for foraging even though visual and olfactory perceptions both play important roles during foraging. During courtship, four types of chasing were observed in a natural population of P. Xuthus; the four types are males chasing females (49%), males chasing males (25%), females chasing males (13%), and females chasing females (10%). However, when odorless artificial models of butterflies were used, no significant differences were observed among these types of chasing, indicating that olfactory perception was crucial for the butterfly during courtship. Profiling volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and individual bioassays revealed that VOCs contents of butterflies were not related to recognizing sex partners; by contrast, some level of α-farnesene, increased the frequency of male chasing female. This could be due to that α-farnesene is easy to be detected by butterflies because of its volatility and higher content in female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Mingtao Li
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Shunan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Lei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
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Stella D, Kleisner K. Visible beyond Violet: How Butterflies Manage Ultraviolet. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030242. [PMID: 35323542 PMCID: PMC8955501 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) means ‘beyond violet’ (from Latin ‘ultra’, meaning ‘beyond’), whereby violet is the colour with the highest frequencies in the ‘visible’ light spectrum. By ‘visible’ we mean human vision, but, in comparison to many other organisms, human visual perception is rather limited in terms of the wavelengths it can perceive. Still, this is why communication in the UV spectrum is often called hidden, although it most likely plays an important role in communicating various kinds of information among a wide variety of organisms. Since Silberglied’s revolutionary Communication in the Ultraviolet, comprehensive studies on UV signals in a wide list of genera are lacking. This review investigates the significance of UV reflectance (and UV absorption)—a feature often neglected in intra- and interspecific communication studies—mainly in Lepidoptera. Although the text focuses on various butterfly families, links and connections to other animal groups, such as birds, are also discussed in the context of ecology and the evolution of species. The basic mechanisms of UV colouration and factors shaping the characteristics of UV patterns are also discussed in a broad context of lepidopteran communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stella
- Global Change Research Institute, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Bělidla 986/4a, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Kleisner
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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Godoy R, Mutis A, Carabajal Paladino L, Venthur H. Genome-Wide Identification of Aldehyde Oxidase Genes in Moths and Butterflies Suggests New Insights Into Their Function as Odorant-Degrading Enzymes. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.823119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde oxidases (AOXs) are common detoxifying enzymes in several organisms. In insects, AOXs act in xenobiotic metabolism and as odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs). These last appear as crucial enzymes in the life cycle of insects, helping to reset their olfactory system, particularly in lepidopterans, which fulfill important ecological roles (e.g., pollination or destructive life cycles). A comprehensive understanding of their olfactory system has provided opportunities to study key chemosensory proteins. However, no significant advance has been made around lepidopteran AOXs research, and even less around butterflies, a recently evolved lineage. In this study we have identified novel AOX gene families in moths and butterflies in order to understand their role as ODEs. Eighteen genomes from both moths and butterflies were used for phylogenetics, molecular evolution and sequence analyses. We identified 164 AOXs, from which 91 are new. Their phylogeny showed two main clades that are potentially related to odorant-degrading function, where both moths and butterflies have AOXs. A first ODE-related clade seems to have a non-ditrysian origin, likely related to plant volatiles. A second ODE-related clade could be more pheromone-biased. Molecular evolution analysis suggests a slight purifying selection process, though a number of sites appeared under positive selection. ODE-related AOXs have changed a phenylalanine residue by proline in the active site. Finally, this study could serve as a reference for further evolutionary and functional studies around Lepidopteran AOXs.
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Morris BJ, Couto A, Aydin A, Montgomery SH. Re-emergence and diversification of a specialized antennal lobe morphology in ithomiine butterflies. Evolution 2021; 75:3191-3202. [PMID: 34383301 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
How an organism's sensory system functions is central to how it navigates its environment. The insect olfactory system is a prominent model for investigating how ecological factors impact sensory reception and processing. Notably, work in Lepidoptera led to the discovery of vastly expanded structures, termed macroglomerular complexes (MGCs), within the primary olfactory processing centre. MGCs typically process pheromonal cues, are usually larger in males, and provide classic examples of how variation in the size of neural structures reflects the importance of sensory cues. Though prevalent across moths, MGCs were lost during the origin of butterflies, consistent with evidence that courtship initiation in butterflies is primarily reliant on visual cues, rather than long distance chemical signals. However, an MGC was recently described in a species of ithomiine butterfly, suggesting that this once lost neural adaptation has re-emerged in this tribe. Here, we show that MGC-like morphologies are widely distributed across ithomiines, but vary in both their structure and prevalence of sexual dimorphism. Based on this interspecific variation we suggest that the ithomiine MGC is involved in processing both plant and pheromonal cues, which have similarities in their chemical constitution, and co-evolved with an increased importance of plant derived chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy J Morris
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antoine Couto
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Asli Aydin
- School of Medicine, Koc University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Ernst DA, Westerman EL. Stage- and sex-specific transcriptome analyses reveal distinctive sensory gene expression patterns in a butterfly. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:584. [PMID: 34340656 PMCID: PMC8327453 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal behavior is largely driven by the information that animals are able to extract and process from their environment. However, the function and organization of sensory systems often change throughout ontogeny, particularly in animals that undergo indirect development. As an initial step toward investigating these ontogenetic changes at the molecular level, we characterized the sensory gene repertoire and examined the expression profiles of genes linked to vision and chemosensation in two life stages of an insect that goes through metamorphosis, the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Results Using RNA-seq, we compared gene expression in the heads of late fifth instar larvae and newly eclosed adults that were reared under identical conditions. Over 50 % of all expressed genes were differentially expressed between the two developmental stages, with 4,036 genes upregulated in larval heads and 4,348 genes upregulated in adult heads. In larvae, upregulated vision-related genes were biased toward those involved with eye development, while phototransduction genes dominated the vision genes that were upregulated in adults. Moreover, the majority of the chemosensory genes we identified in the B. anynana genome were differentially expressed between larvae and adults, several of which share homology with genes linked to pheromone detection, host plant recognition, and foraging in other species of Lepidoptera. Conclusions These results revealed promising candidates for furthering our understanding of sensory processing and behavior in the disparate developmental stages of butterflies and other animals that undergo metamorphosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07819-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Ernst
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 72701, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
| | - Erica L Westerman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 72701, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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13
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Specialized androconial scales conceal species-specific semiochemicals of sympatric sulphur butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Coliadinae). ORG DIVERS EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-020-00475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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Couto A, Wainwright JB, Morris BJ, Montgomery SH. Linking ecological specialisation to adaptations in butterfly brains and sensory systems. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 42:55-60. [PMID: 32979531 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Butterflies display incredible ecological and behavioural diversity. As such, they have been subject to intense study since the birth of evolutionary biology. However, with some possible exceptions, they are underused models in comparative and functional neurobiology. We highlight a series of areas, spanning sensory ecology to cognition, in which butterflies are particularly promising systems for investigating the neurobiological basis for behavioural or ecological variation. These fields benefit from a history of molecular and quantitative genetics, and basic comparative neuroanatomy, but these strands of research are yet to be widely integrated. We discuss areas for potential growth and argue that new experimental techniques, growing genomic resources, and tools for functional genetics will accelerate the use of butterflies in neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Couto
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - J Benito Wainwright
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Billy J Morris
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Stephen H Montgomery
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.
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15
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Yang H, Dong J, Sun YL, Hu Z, Lyu QH, Li D. Identification and expression profiles of candidate chemosensory receptors in Histia rhodope (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae). PeerJ 2020; 8:e10035. [PMID: 33024644 PMCID: PMC7520089 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect olfaction and vision play important roles in survival and reproduction. Diurnal butterflies mainly rely on visual cues whereas nocturnal moths rely on olfactory signals to locate external resources. Histia rhodope Cramer (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) is an important pest of the landscape tree Bischofia polycarpa in China and other Southeast Asian regions. As a diurnal moth, H. rhodope represents a suitable model for studying the evolutionary shift from olfactory to visual communication. However, only a few chemosensory soluble proteins have been characterized and information on H. rhodope chemoreceptor genes is currently lacking. In this study, we identified 45 odorant receptors (ORs), nine ionotropic receptors (IRs), eight gustatory receptors (GRs) and two sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) from our previously acquired H. rhodope antennal transcriptomic data. The number of chemoreceptors of H. rhodope was less compared with that found in many nocturnal moths. Some specific chemoreceptors such as OR co-receptor (ORco), ionotropic receptors co-receptor, CO2 receptors, sugar receptors and bitter receptors were predicted by phylogenetic analysis. Notably, two candidate pheromone receptors (PRs) were identified within a novel PR lineage. qRT-PCR results showed that almost all tested genes (22/24) were predominantly expressed in antennae, indicating that they may be important in olfactory function. Among these antennae-enriched genes, six ORs, five IRs and two GRs displayed female-biased expression, while two ORs displayed male-biased expression. Additionally, HrhoIR75q.2 and HrhoGR67 were more highly expressed in heads and legs. This study enriches the olfactory gene inventory of H. rhodope and provides the foundation for further research of the chemoreception mechanism in diurnal moths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Yang
- College of Forestry, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Junfeng Dong
- College of Forestry, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Ya-Lan Sun
- College of Forestry, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Zhenjie Hu
- College of Forestry, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Qi-Hui Lyu
- College of Forestry, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Dingxu Li
- College of Forestry, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
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16
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Capblancq T, Després L, Mavárez J. Genetic, morphological and ecological variation across a sharp hybrid zone between two alpine butterfly species. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1435-1450. [PMID: 32684968 PMCID: PMC7359832 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the mechanisms involved in the formation and maintenance of species is a central question in evolutionary biology, and distinguishing the selective drivers of populations' divergence from demographic processes is of particular interest to better understand the speciation process. Hybrid zones are recognized to provide ideal places to investigate the genetic architecture of speciation and to identify the mechanisms allowing diverging species to maintain their integrity in the face of gene flow. Here, we studied two alpine butterfly species, Coenonympha macromma and C. gardetta, which can be found flying together and hybridizing in narrow contact zones in the southern French Alps. We characterized the genomic composition of individuals, their morphology and their local habitat requirements, within and around a hybrid zone. Genetic diversity analysis at 794 SNPs revealed that all individuals within the hybrid zone were highly admixed, which was not the case outside the hybrid zone. Cline analysis showed that, despite ongoing hybridization, 56 out of 122 loci differentially fixed or nearly so between the two species were impermeable to introgression across the sharp hybrid zone (9 km wide). We also found concordance in cline position and width among genetic, morphological and environmental variation, suggesting a coupling of different reproductive barriers. Habitat characteristics such as the presence of trees and shrubs and the start of the growing season were strongly associated with the genetic variation, and we found evidence of divergence at genetic markers associated with morphology and physiology, putatively involved in visual or environmental reproductive isolation. We discuss the various behavioural and ecological factors that might interplay to maintain current levels of divergence and gene flow between this species pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Capblancq
- Laboratoire d’Écologie AlpineUMR UGA‐USMB‐CNRS 5553Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
| | - Laurence Després
- Laboratoire d’Écologie AlpineUMR UGA‐USMB‐CNRS 5553Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Jesús Mavárez
- Laboratoire d’Écologie AlpineUMR UGA‐USMB‐CNRS 5553Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y AmbientalesUniversidad Jorge Tadeo LozanoBogotáColombia
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17
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González-Rojas MF, Darragh K, Robles J, Linares M, Schulz S, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C. Chemical signals act as the main reproductive barrier between sister and mimetic Heliconius butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200587. [PMID: 32370676 PMCID: PMC7282924 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Colour pattern is the main trait that drives mate recognition between Heliconius species that are phylogenetically close. However, when this cue is compromised such as in cases of mimetic, sympatric and closely related species, alternative mating signals must evolve to ensure reproductive isolation and species integrity. The closely related species Heliconius melpomene malleti and H. timareta florencia occur in the same geographical region, and despite being co-mimics, they display strong reproductive isolation. In order to test which cues differ between species, and potentially contribute to reproductive isolation, we quantified differences in the wing phenotype and the male chemical profile. As expected, the wing colour pattern was indistinguishable between the two species, while the chemical profile of the androconial and genital males' extracts showed marked differences. We then conducted behavioural experiments to study the importance of these signals in mate recognition by females. In agreement with our previous results, we found that chemical blends and not wing colour pattern drive the preference of females for conspecific males. Also, experiments with hybrid males and females suggested an important genetic component for both chemical production and preference. Altogether, these results suggest that chemicals are the major reproductive barrier opposing gene flow between these two sister and co-mimic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F González-Rojas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - K Darragh
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - J Robles
- Department of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
| | - M Linares
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - S Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - C D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - C Pardo-Diaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - C Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
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18
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Triana MF, França PHB, Queiroz AFO, Santos JM, Goulart HF, Santana AEG. Morphological, chemical and electrophysiological investigations of Telchin licus (Lepidoptera: Castniidae). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231689. [PMID: 32298345 PMCID: PMC7162514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant sugarcane borer Telchin licus (Drury, 1773) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) is a day-flying moth pest of sugarcane, pineapples and bananas. To better understand the chemical communication in this species, we examined the morphology of its olfactory system and the chemical composition of its body parts. The ventral surface of the clubbed antennae of T. licus has six morphological types of sensilla: sensilla trichodea, basiconica, chaetica, squamiforma, coeloconica, and auricillica. The telescopic ovipositor shows no evidence of a sexual gland, or female-specific compounds. On the other hand, the midleg basitarsus of males releases (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienol and (Z,E)-2,13-octadecadienol, which are electroantennographically active in both sexes. These compounds are known female sex pheromones in the Sesiidae family and are male-specific compounds in another castniid moth, although further investigations are necessary to elucidate their ecological role in the Castniidae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merybeth F. Triana
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Paulo H. B. França
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
- Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Abel F. O. Queiroz
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Jakeline M. Santos
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Henrique F. Goulart
- Agricultural Science Center, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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19
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Winsor AM, Ihle M, Taylor LA. Methods for independently manipulating palatability and color in small insect prey. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231205. [PMID: 32255810 PMCID: PMC7138310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how the psychology of predators shapes the defenses of colorful aposematic prey has been a rich area of inquiry, with emphasis on hypothesis-driven experiments that independently manipulate color and palatability in prey to examine predator responses. Most of these studies focus on avian predators, despite calls to consider more taxonomically diverse predators. This taxonomic bias leaves gaps in our knowledge about the generalizability of current theory. Here we have adapted tools that have been successfully used with bird predators and scaled them down and tested them with smaller predators (Habronattus jumping spiders) and small insect prey (termites, milkweed bug nymphs, pinhead crickets, fruit flies). Specifically, we test (1) the application of denatonium benzoate (DB) to the surface of live termites, crickets, and fruit flies, and (2) the effectiveness of manipulating the palatability of milkweed bug nymphs through diet. We also test the effectiveness of combining these palatability manipulations with various color manipulations. Across several experiments, we confirm that our palatability manipulations are not detectable to the spiders before they attack (i.e., they do not produce aversive odors that spiders avoid), and show that unpalatable prey are indeed quickly rejected and spiders do not habituate to the taste with experience. We also investigate limitations of these techniques by assessing possible unintended effects on prey behavior and the risk of contact contamination when using DB-treated prey in experiments. While similar tools have been used to manipulate color and palatability with avian predators and relatively large insect prey, we show how these techniques can be effectively adapted for use with small invertebrate predators and prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. Winsor
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Malika Ihle
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Taylor
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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20
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Tsai CC, Childers RA, Nan Shi N, Ren C, Pelaez JN, Bernard GD, Pierce NE, Yu N. Physical and behavioral adaptations to prevent overheating of the living wings of butterflies. Nat Commun 2020; 11:551. [PMID: 31992708 PMCID: PMC6987309 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14408-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The wings of Lepidoptera contain a matrix of living cells whose function requires appropriate temperatures. However, given their small thermal capacity, wings can overheat rapidly in the sun. Here we analyze butterfly wings across a wide range of simulated environmental conditions, and find that regions containing living cells are maintained at cooler temperatures. Diverse scale nanostructures and non-uniform cuticle thicknesses create a heterogeneous distribution of radiative cooling that selectively reduces the temperature of structures such as wing veins and androconial organs. These tissues are supplied by circulatory, neural and tracheal systems throughout the adult lifetime, indicating that the insect wing is a dynamic, living structure. Behavioral assays show that butterflies use wings to sense visible and infrared radiation, responding with specialized behaviors to prevent overheating of their wings. Our work highlights the physiological importance of wing temperature and how it is exquisitely regulated by structural and behavioral adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chia Tsai
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Richard A Childers
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Norman Nan Shi
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Western Digital, San Jose, CA, 95119, USA
| | - Crystal Ren
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Julianne N Pelaez
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Gary D Bernard
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Naomi E Pierce
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Nanfang Yu
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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21
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Robertson DN, Sullivan TJ, Westerman EL. Lack of sibling avoidance during mate selection in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Behav Processes 2020; 173:104062. [PMID: 31981681 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Species susceptible to inbreeding depression are hypothesized to combat this problem through a number of different mechanisms, including kin recognition. For species with kin recognition, it is unknown if filial recognition is innate or due to prior juvenile experience with siblings. Here, we first test for the presence of kin recognition, and then test these two hypotheses for the development of filial recognition, in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana, a species that suffers from inbreeding depression when forcibly inbred but recovers within a few generations when allowed to breed freely. We evaluate whether the rapid recovery from inbreeding depression is associated with either innate or learned filial recognition. First, we determined whether females innately prefer unrelated males over sibling males using females reared in isolation and then given a choice between an unrelated and a sibling male. Then, we determined if females raised with siblings learned to detect and avoid mating with siblings as adults when provided a choice between an unrelated male and a sibling male. Finally, we determined if females raised with siblings could learn to detect and avoid mating with familiar siblings when given a choice between familiar and unfamiliar siblings. We found that females mated randomly in all three choice combinations. Observed male behavior also did not influence female mating outcome. Our results suggest that adult females do not innately avoid or learn to avoid siblings during mate selection, and that filial detection may not be as critical to reproductive fitness in B. anynana as previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deonna N Robertson
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 850 W. Dickson St. Fayetteville 72701 USA
| | - Timothy J Sullivan
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 850 W. Dickson St. Fayetteville 72701 USA; Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, 417 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 USA
| | - Erica L Westerman
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 850 W. Dickson St. Fayetteville 72701 USA.
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22
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Bossuyt F, Schulte LM, Maex M, Janssenswillen S, Novikova PY, Biju SD, Van de Peer Y, Matthijs S, Roelants K, Martel A, Van Bocxlaer I. Multiple Independent Recruitment of Sodefrin Precursor-Like Factors in Anuran Sexually Dimorphic Glands. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 36:1921-1930. [PMID: 31238339 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical signaling in animals often plays a central role in eliciting a variety of responses during reproductive interactions between males and females. One of the best-known vertebrate courtship pheromone systems is sodefrin precursor-like factors (SPFs), a family of two-domain three-finger proteins with a female-receptivity enhancing function, currently only known from salamanders. The oldest divergence between active components in a single salamander species dates back to the Late Paleozoic, indicating that these proteins potentially gained a pheromone function earlier in amphibian evolution. Here, we combined whole transcriptome sequencing, proteomics, histology, and molecular phylogenetics in a comparative approach to investigate SPF occurrence in male breeding glands across the evolutionary tree of anurans (frogs and toads). Our study shows that multiple families of both terrestrially and aquatically reproducing frogs have substantially increased expression levels of SPFs in male breeding glands. This suggests that multiple anuran lineages make use of SPFs to complement acoustic and visual sexual signaling during courtship. Comparative analyses show that anurans independently recruited these proteins each time the gland location on the male's body allowed efficient transmission of the secretion to the female's nares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franky Bossuyt
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisa M Schulte
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Wildlife-/Zoo-Animal-Biology and Systematics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Margo Maex
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sunita Janssenswillen
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Polina Yu Novikova
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S D Biju
- Systematics Lab, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Yves Van de Peer
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Severine Matthijs
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Roelants
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Martel
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology, and Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ines Van Bocxlaer
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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23
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Dion E, Pui LX, Weber K, Monteiro A. Early-exposure to new sex pheromone blends alters mate preference in female butterflies and in their offspring. Nat Commun 2020; 11:53. [PMID: 31896746 PMCID: PMC6940390 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
While the diversity of sex pheromone communication systems across insects is well documented, the mechanisms that lead to such diversity are not well understood. Sex pheromones constitute a species-specific system of sexual communication that reinforces interspecific reproductive isolation. When odor blends evolve, the efficacy of male-female communication becomes compromised, unless preference for novel blends also evolves. We explore odor learning as a possible mechanism leading to changes in sex pheromone preferences in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Our experiments reveal mating patterns suggesting that mating bias for new blends can develop following a short learning experience, and that this maternal experience impacts the mating outcome of offspring without further exposure. We propose that odor learning can be a key factor in the evolution of sex pheromone blend recognition and in chemosensory speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Dion
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
| | - Li Xian Pui
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Katie Weber
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
- Yale-NUS-College, 6 College Avenue East, Singapore, 138614, Singapore.
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24
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Muller D, Elias B, Collard L, Pels C, Holveck MJ, Nieberding CM. Polyphenism of visual and chemical secondary sexually-selected wing traits in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana: How different is the intermediate phenotype? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225003. [PMID: 31738776 PMCID: PMC6860419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyphenism is a type of phenotypic plasticity supposedly adaptive to drastic and recurrent changes in the environment such as seasonal alternation in temperate and tropical regions. The butterfly Bicyclus anynana shows polyphenism with well-described wet and dry seasonal forms in sub-Saharan Africa, displaying striking morphological, physiological and behavioural differences in response to higher or lower developmental temperatures. During the seasonal transition in the wild, the intermediate phenotype co-occurs with wet and dry phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to characterize the secondary sexually-selected wing traits of the intermediate form to infer its potential fitness compared to wet and dry phenotypes. Among the previously described wing morphological traits, we first showed that the area of the fifth eyespot on the ventral hindwing is the most discriminant trait to identify wet, dry and intermediate phenotypes in both sexes. Second, we characterized the intermediate form for two secondary sexually-selected wing traits: the area and UV reflectance of the dorsal forewing pupil and the composition of the male sex pheromone. We showed that values of these two traits are often between those of the wet and dry phenotypes. Third, we observed increasing male sex pheromone production in ageing dry and wet phenotypes. Our results contrast with previous reports of values for sexually-selected traits in wet and dry seasonal forms, which might be explained by differences in rearing conditions or sample size effects among studies. Wet, dry and intermediate phenotypes display redundant sexually dimorphic traits, including sexually-selected traits that can inform about their developmental temperature in sexual interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriane Muller
- Group of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Elias
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laurent Collard
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pels
- Group of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marie-Jeanne Holveck
- Group of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Caroline M. Nieberding
- Group of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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25
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Westerman EL, Antonson N, Kreutzmann S, Peterson A, Pineda S, Kronforst MR, Olson-Manning CF. Behaviour before beauty: signal weighting during mate selection in the butterfly Papilio polytes. Ethology 2019; 125:565-574. [PMID: 33688110 DOI: 10.1111/eth.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mating displays often contain multiple signals. Different combinations of these signals may be equally successful at attracting a mate, as environment and signal combination may influence relative signal weighting by choosy individuals. This variation in signal weighting among choosy individuals may facilitate the maintenance of polymorphic displays and signalling behaviour. One group of animals known for their polymorphic patterning are Batesian mimetic butterflies, where the interaction of sexual selection and predation pressures are hypothesized to influence the maintenance of polymorphic wing patterning and behaviour. Males in the female-limited polymorphic Batesian mimetic butterfly Papilio polytes use female wing pattern and female activity levels when determining whom to court. They court stationary females with mimetic wing patterns more often than stationary females with non-mimetic, male-like wing patterns, and active females more often than inactive females. It is unclear whether females modify their behaviour to increase (or decrease) their likelihood of receiving male courtship, or whether non-mimetic females spend more time in cryptic environments than mimetic females, to compensate for their lack of mimicry-driven predation protection (at the cost of decreased visibility to males). In addition, relative signal weighting of female wing pattern and activity to male mate selection is unknown. To address these questions, we conducted a series of observational studies of a polymorphic P. polytes population in a large butterfly enclosure. We found that males exclusively courted active females, irrespective of female wing pattern. However, males did court active non-mimetic females significantly more often than expected given their relative abundance in the population. Females exhibited similar activity levels, and selected similar resting environments, irrespective of wing pattern. Our results suggest that male preference for non-mimetic females may play an active role in the maintenance of the non-mimetic female form in natural populations, where males are likely to be in the presence of active, as well as inactive, mimetic and non-mimetic females.
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Le Roy C, Debat V, Llaurens V. Adaptive evolution of butterfly wing shape: from morphology to behaviour. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1261-1281. [PMID: 30793489 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Butterflies display extreme variation in wing shape associated with tremendous ecological diversity. Disentangling the role of neutral versus adaptive processes in wing shape diversification remains a challenge for evolutionary biologists. Ascertaining how natural selection influences wing shape evolution requires both functional studies linking morphology to flight performance, and ecological investigations linking performance in the wild with fitness. However, direct links between morphological variation and fitness have rarely been established. The functional morphology of butterfly flight has been investigated but selective forces acting on flight behaviour and associated wing shape have received less attention. Here, we attempt to estimate the ecological relevance of morpho-functional links established through biomechanical studies in order to understand the evolution of butterfly wing morphology. We survey the evidence for natural and sexual selection driving wing shape evolution in butterflies, and discuss how our functional knowledge may allow identification of the selective forces involved, at both the macro- and micro-evolutionary scales. Our review shows that although correlations between wing shape variation and ecological factors have been established at the macro-evolutionary level, the underlying selective pressures often remain unclear. We identify the need to investigate flight behaviour in relevant ecological contexts to detect variation in fitness-related traits. Identifying the selective regime then should guide experimental studies towards the relevant estimates of flight performance. Habitat, predators and sex-specific behaviours are likely to be major selective forces acting on wing shape evolution in butterflies. Some striking cases of morphological divergence driven by contrasting ecology involve both wing and body morphology, indicating that their interactions should be included in future studies investigating co-evolution between morphology and flight behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Le Roy
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier CP50, 75005, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12 rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Debat
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier CP50, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Violaine Llaurens
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier CP50, 75005, Paris, France
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27
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Huq M, Bhardwaj S, Monteiro A. Male Bicyclus anynana Butterflies Choose Females on the Basis of Their Ventral UV-Reflective Eyespot Centers. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2019; 19:5355579. [PMID: 30794728 PMCID: PMC6390274 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iez014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Butterflies often use their dorsal and ventral wing color patterns for distinct signaling functions. Color patterns on hidden dorsal wing surfaces are often used in sexual signaling, while exposed ventral patterns are often used to ward off predator attacks. At rest, however, part of the ventral forewings are often hidden by the hindwings, allowing individuals to also use the patterns on this wing surface for sexual signaling. Here, we test this hypothesis in Bicyclus anynana (Butler, Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) butterflies by first determining the degree of sexual dimorphism in ventral forewing patterns, focusing on the eyespots, from both wet and dry season forms, and then testing the role of the larger ventral forewing eyespots of dry season females in male mate choice. We also test male investment in reproduction. We show that ventral forewing UV-reflective eyespot centers, in addition to dorsal forewing eyespot centers previously examined in this species, play a role in sexual signaling as males preferentially mated with females with their ventral eyespot centers intact instead of blocked with black paint. This male preference, however, did not translate into a detectable higher reproductive investment via a single mating toward ornamented females. This study provides an example of how ventral forewing patterns, often hidden by hindwings, are used in sexual communication, in this case by females to attract males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manizah Huq
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shivam Bhardwaj
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore
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28
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Southcott L, Kronforst MR. Female mate choice is a reproductive isolating barrier in Heliconius butterflies. Ethology 2018; 124:862-869. [PMID: 31024190 PMCID: PMC6475913 DOI: 10.1111/eth.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, speciation involves the evolution of reproductive isolating mechanisms that decrease gene flow. Premating reproductive isolation, often the result of mate choice, is a major obstacle to gene flow between species because it acts earlier in the life cycle than other isolating barriers. While female choice is often considered the default mode in animal species, research in the butterfly genus Heliconius, a frequent subject of speciation studies, has focused on male mate choice. We studied mate choice by H. cydno females by pairing them with either conspecific males or males of the closely related species H. pachinus. Significantly more intraspecific trials than interspecific trials resulted in mating. Because male courtship rates did not differ between the species when we excluded males that never courted, we attribute this difference to female choice. Females also performed more acceptance behaviours towards conspecific males. Premating isolation between these two species thus entails both male and female mate choice, and female choice may be an important factor in the origin of Heliconius species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Southcott
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama
| | - Marcus R Kronforst
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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29
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Barnard AA, Masly JP. Divergence in female damselfly sensory structures is consistent with a species recognition function but shows no evidence of reproductive character displacement. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:12101-12114. [PMID: 30598803 PMCID: PMC6303706 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Males and females transmit and receive signals prior to mating that convey information such as sex, species identity, or individual condition. In some animals, tactile signals relayed during physical contact between males and females before and during mating appear to be important for mate choice or reproductive isolation. This is common among odonates, when a male grasps a female's thorax with his terminal appendages prior to copulation, and the female subsequently controls whether copulation occurs by bending her abdomen to complete intromission. It has been hypothesized that mechanosensory sensilla on the female thoracic plates mediate mating decisions, but is has been difficult to test this idea. Here, we use North American damselflies in the genus Enallagma (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) to test the hypothesis that variation in female sensilla traits is important for species recognition. Enallagma anna and E. carunculatum hybridize in nature, but experience strong reproductive isolation as a consequence of divergence in male terminal appendage morphology. We quantified several mechanosensory sensilla phenotypes on the female thorax among multiple populations of both species and compared divergence in these traits in sympatry versus allopatry. Although these species differed in features of sensilla distribution within the thoracic plates, we found no strong evidence of reproductive character displacement among the sensilla traits we measured in regions of sympatry. Our results suggest that species-specific placement of female mechanoreceptors may be sufficient for species recognition, although other female sensory phenotypes might have diverged in sympatry to reduce interspecific hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A. Barnard
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, Department of BiologyUniversity of OklahomaNormanOklahoma
| | - John P. Masly
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, Department of BiologyUniversity of OklahomaNormanOklahoma
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30
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Dapporto L, Hardy PB, Dennis RLH. Evidence for adaptive constraints on size of marginal wing spots in the grayling butterfly,Hipparchia semele. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Dapporto
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Roger L H Dennis
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK
- Centre for Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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31
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Balmer AJ, Brakefield PM, Brattström O, van Bergen E. Developmental plasticity for male secondary sexual traits in a group of polyphenic tropical butterflies. OIKOS 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.05291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Balmer
- Dept of Zoology; Univ. of Cambridge; Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Paul M. Brakefield
- Dept of Zoology; Univ. of Cambridge; Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Oskar Brattström
- Dept of Zoology; Univ. of Cambridge; Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Erik van Bergen
- Dept of Zoology; Univ. of Cambridge; Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
- Inst. Gulbenkian de Ciência; Oeiras Portugal
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Visser B, Dublon IAN, Heuskin S, Laval F, Bacquet PMB, Lognay G, Nieberding CM. Common Practice Solvent Extraction Does not Reflect Actual Emission of a Sex Pheromone During Butterfly Courtship. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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33
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Nieberding CM, San Martin G, Saenko S, Allen CE, Brakefield PM, Visser B. Sexual selection contributes to partial restoration of phenotypic robustness in a butterfly. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14315. [PMID: 30254273 PMCID: PMC6156326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic variation is the raw material for selection that is ubiquitous for most traits in natural populations, yet the processes underlying phenotypic evolution or stasis often remain unclear. Here, we report phenotypic evolution in a mutant line of the butterfly Bicyclus anynana after outcrossing with the genetically polymorphic wild type population. The comet mutation modifies two phenotypic traits known to be under sexual selection in this butterfly: the dorsal forewing eyespots and the pheromone-producing structures. The original comet mutant line was inbred and remained phenotypically stable for at least seven years, but when outcrossed to the wild type population the outcrossed comet line surprisingly recovered the wild type phenotype within 8 generations at high (27 °C), but not at low (20 °C), developmental temperatures. Male mating success experiments then revealed that outcrossed comet males with the typical comet phenotype suffered from lower mating success, while mating success of outcrossed comet males resembling wild types was partially restored. We document a fortuitous case where the addition of genetic polymorphism around a spontaneous mutation could have allowed partial restoration of phenotypic robustness. We further argue that sexual selection through mate choice is likely the driving force leading to phenotypic robustness in our system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Nieberding
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Gilles San Martin
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Saenko
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cerisse E Allen
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Paul M Brakefield
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Zoology, University Museum of Zoology Cambridge, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bertanne Visser
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Pinzari M, Santonico M, Pennazza G, Martinelli E, Capuano R, Paolesse R, Di Rao M, D'Amico A, Cesaroni D, Sbordoni V, Di Natale C. Chemically mediated species recognition in two sympatric Grayling butterflies: Hipparchia fagi and Hipparchia hermione (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199997. [PMID: 29953554 PMCID: PMC6023170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheromones are known to play an important role in butterfly courtship and may influence both individual reproductive success and reproductive isolation between species. Recent studies have focused on courtship in Hipparchia butterflies (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) emphasizing morphological and behavioural traits, as well as genetic differences. Behavioural observations suggested a role for chemical cues in mate and species recognition, where the androconial scales on the forewings of these species may be involved in chemical communication between individuals. Cchemical-mediated signals have received relatively little attention in this genus. Here, we report the results of a three-year investigation of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by Hipparchia fagi and H. hermione in order to identify differences in VOCs between these species where they live in syntopy. Our study was carried out using an array of cross-selective sensors known as an "Electronic Nose" (EN) that operates by converting chemical patterns into patterns of sensor signals. While the identity of volatile compounds remained unknown, sensor signals can be compared to identify similar or dissimilar chemical patterns. Based on the EN signals, our results showed that: 1) the two sexes have a similar VOCs pattern in H. fagi, while they significantly diverge in H. hermione; 2) VOCs patterns were different between females of the two species, while those of males were not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pinzari
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Marco Santonico
- Center for Integrated Research-CIR, Unit of Electronics for Sensor Systems, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pennazza
- Center for Integrated Research-CIR, Unit of Electronics for Sensor Systems, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Martinelli
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Capuano
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Paolesse
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Rao
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo D'Amico
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Sbordoni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Di Natale
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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35
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Fischer K, Karl I, Dublon IAN, Kehl T. A reply to Nieberding and Holveck: beyond experimental design and proximate mechanisms - mate choice in the face of sexual conflict. Front Zool 2018; 15:19. [PMID: 29719562 PMCID: PMC5921974 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We summarise our work on male mating behaviour in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana, responding to the commentary provided by Nieberding and Holveck. We acknowledge that our laboratory studies are not free of shortcomings and potential caveats, though we attempted to address or highlight these within each paper. The concerns raised seem to stem mainly from different notions with respect to the proximate basis of old male mating advantage, and specifically the relative importance of male behaviour versus pheromone blend. In our view, our experiments provided compelling evidence for a prominent role of male behaviour, while we were unable to obtain clear evidence for a major role of male sexual pheromones. In addition to the lack of evidence we argue that a preference of females for older males based on pheromone blend is unlikely, as pheromone titres do not seem to indicate male quality and, more importantly, females actually suffer a fitness cost when mating with older males. The latter suggests that old male mating advantage arises from sexual conflict rather than cooperation. We thus highlight the importance of considering both the proximate and the ultimate level for gaining an integrative understanding of complex behavioural patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Fischer
- 1Zoological Institute and Museum, Greifswald University, Loitzer Straße 26, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Isabell Karl
- 1Zoological Institute and Museum, Greifswald University, Loitzer Straße 26, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ian A N Dublon
- 2Infrastrukturavdelningen, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Slottsvägen 1, P.O. Box 19, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Tobias Kehl
- 1Zoological Institute and Museum, Greifswald University, Loitzer Straße 26, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
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36
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McQueen EW, Morehouse NI. Rapid Divergence of Wing Volatile Profiles Between Subspecies of the Butterfly Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2018; 18:4953129. [PMID: 29718495 PMCID: PMC5865527 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iey026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Complex signaling traits such as pheromone profiles can play an important role in the early stages of reproductive isolation between populations. These signals can diverge along multiple trait axes, and signal receivers are often sensitive to subtle differences in signal properties. In the Lepidoptera, prior research has highlighted that natural selection can drive rapid chemical signal divergence, for instance via mate recognition to maintain species boundaries. Much less is known about the occurrence of such changes for predominantly sexually selected chemical signals, such as those released by many male lepidopterans. We evaluated the divergence in male and female wing volatile profiles between two recently isolated subspecies of the pierid butterfly Pieris rapae Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae): P. rapae rapae and P. rapae crucivora. In laboratory settings, these subspecies exhibit strong premating isolation, with females rejecting males of the opposite subspecies despite the fact that males direct equivalent courtship effort toward females of either subspecies. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we analyzed the volatile chemical profiles of individual males and females of each subspecies. We find that males of each subspecies differ in their wing volatile profiles, including quantitative differences in a male sex pheromone, ferrulactone. In contrast, female wing volatiles profiles have diverged significantly less. These sex-specific patterns suggest that male chemical profiles may play a role in the observed premating isolation between these two subspecies, providing support for future investigations of sexually selected chemical traits in population divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden W McQueen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nathan I Morehouse
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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37
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Bhardwaj S, Prudic KL, Bear A, Dasgupta M, Wasik BR, Tong X, Cheong WF, Wenk MR, Monteiro A. Sex Differences in 20-Hydroxyecdysone Hormone Levels Control Sexual Dimorphism in Bicyclus anynana Wing Patterns. Mol Biol Evol 2018; 35:465-472. [PMID: 29165628 PMCID: PMC5850599 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the important role of hormones in the development of sexual traits in vertebrates (Cox RM, Stenquist DS, Calsbeek R. 2009. Testosterone, growth and the evolution of sexual size dimorphism. J Evol Biol. 22(8):1586-1598.), the differentiation of these traits in insects is attributed almost exclusively to cell-autonomous mechanisms controlled by members of the sex determination pathway (Verhulst EC, van de Zande L. 2015. Double nexus - doublesex is the connecting element in sex determination. Brief Funct Genomics 14(6):396-406.), such as doublesex. Although hormones can shape the development of sexual traits in insects, variation in hormone levels are not conclusively known to cause dimorphism in these traits (Prakash A, Monteiro A. 2016. Molecular mechanisms of secondary sexual trait development in insects. Curr Opin Insect Sci. 17:40-48.). Here, we show that butterflies use sex-specific differences in 20-hydroxyecdysone hormone titers to create sexually dimorphic wing ornaments. Females of the dry season (DS) form of Bicyclus anynana display a larger sexual ornament on their wings than males, whereas in the wet season form both sexes have similarly sized ornaments (Prudic KL, Jeon C, Cao H, Monteiro A. 2011. Developmental plasticity in sexual roles of butterfly species drives mutual sexual ornamentation. Science 331(6013):73-75.). High levels of circulating 20-hydroxyecdysone during larval development in DS females and wet season forms cause proliferation of the cells fated to give rise to this wing ornament, and results in sexual dimorphism in the DS forms. This study advances our understanding of how the environment regulates sex-specific patterns of plasticity of sexual ornaments and conclusively shows that hormones can play a role in the development of secondary sexual traits in insects, just like they do in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Bhardwaj
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kathleen L Prudic
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Ashley Bear
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Mainak Dasgupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bethany R Wasik
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Cornell University Press, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Xiaoling Tong
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Fun Cheong
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Markus R Wenk
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Yale-NUS College, Singapore
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38
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Lin CY, Chiao CC. Female Choice Leads to a Switch in Oval Squid Male Mating Tactics. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2017; 233:219-226. [PMID: 29553819 DOI: 10.1086/695718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oval squids are polyandrous, with one female mating with multiple males during the spawning season. There are two alternative male mating tactics used by Sepioteuthis lessoniana. Larger males place spermatophores at the opening of the oviduct using a male-parallel mating posture, whereas smaller males attach spermatophores around the female buccal membrane using a male-upturned mating posture. If the route of egg transportation is taken into consideration, male-parallel mating would be expected to result in higher fertilization success than male-upturned mating. Although these male mating tactics are largely dependent on the body size of the male relative to that of the female, it is unclear how female choice affects the male's mating tactics and his mating success. Squids are highly visual animals, and they communicate through dynamic body patterning. In the present study, we observed that smaller male squids in captivity would attempt to mate with a larger female using the male-parallel tactic repeatedly, but they failed to be successful most of the time because of a rejection signal by the female. In contrast, when the males switched to the male-upturned tactic, the mating success rate was increased significantly, with much less female rejection signal. This finding suggests that female squids signal their mating receptivity visually and that male squids alter their mating tactics accordingly. This is the evidence to support the hypothesis that the switch in male mating tactics depends on female choice in oval squids and that this is transmitted via visual communication.
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Darragh K, Vanjari S, Mann F, Gonzalez-Rojas MF, Morrison CR, Salazar C, Pardo-Diaz C, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. Male sex pheromone components in Heliconius butterflies released by the androconia affect female choice. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3953. [PMID: 29134139 PMCID: PMC5680698 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific pheromones are known to play an important role in butterfly courtship, and may influence both individual reproductive success and reproductive isolation between species. Extensive ecological, behavioural and genetic studies of Heliconius butterflies have made a substantial contribution to our understanding of speciation. Male pheromones, although long suspected to play an important role, have received relatively little attention in this genus. Here, we combine morphological, chemical and behavioural analyses of male pheromones in the Neotropical butterfly Heliconius melpomene. First, we identify putative androconia that are specialized brush-like scales that lie within the shiny grey region of the male hindwing. We then describe putative male sex pheromone compounds, which are largely confined to the androconial region of the hindwing of mature males, but are absent in immature males and females. Finally, behavioural choice experiments reveal that females of H. melpomene, H. erato and H. timareta strongly discriminate against conspecific males which have their androconial region experimentally blocked. As well as demonstrating the importance of chemical signalling for female mate choice in Heliconius butterflies, the results describe structures involved in release of the pheromone and a list of potential male sex pheromone compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
| | - Sohini Vanjari
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
| | - Florian Mann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maria F. Gonzalez-Rojas
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Colin R. Morrison
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
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40
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Laboratory social environment biases mating outcome: a first quantitative synthesis in a butterfly. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-017-2346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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41
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Role of visual and olfactory cues in sex recognition in butterfly Cethosia cyane cyane. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5033. [PMID: 28694497 PMCID: PMC5504021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Butterflies use multiple signals, including visual, olfactory and tactile cues, to identify same- and opposite-sex individuals during courtship. In this study of the sexually dimorphic butterfly Cethosia cyane cyane, we explored the roles of visual and olfactory cues in conspecific mate recognition during courtship. Our results showed that males took the initiative in actively chasing females during courtship using only visual cues. Males could distinguish the gender of conspecifics using visual cues alone. The size and color of the wings differ significantly between the sexes. Behavioral assays showed that males visually recognized females not by wing size, but by their sexually specific wing color. The movement pattern of the model also exerted some influence on male courtship chasing behavior. A total of 21 volatiles were detected in the bodies of adults, but only cedrol played a role in the process of male recognition of females at close range. Therefore, males rely on both visual and olfactory cues to distinguish females during courtship. Visual cues play a major role in attracting males at the beginning of the courtship chase, while olfactory cues play a role in accurately identifying partners at close range.
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Ng SY, Bhardwaj S, Monteiro A. Males Become Choosier in Response to Manipulations of Female Wing Ornaments in Dry Season Bicyclus anynana Butterflies. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2017; 17:3934672. [PMID: 28973485 PMCID: PMC5501498 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Male investment towards reproduction is substantial in some species, and this leads to the evolution of choosy males. Male choice is often directed towards female phenotypes that are good indicators of fecundity such as body size, age, or virgin status, and often acts in the same direction as fecundity selection. In insects, only a few examples exist where male choice is directed towards female ornaments as proxies Butler of female quality. Here, we use dry season males of the sex-role reversed butterfly species Bicyclus anynana to test for differences in male choosiness and investment towards females of varying attractiveness using ornament-manipulations. Male reproductive investment in this species is in the form of a nuptial gift, a spermatophore, given to females upon mating. Males were placed in cages with either wild-type ornamented females or with nonornamented females (center of the dorsal forewing eyespots painted over), and time to mating, duration of mating, and longevity of males and females after a single mating were measured. Ornament manipulations consisted of blocking the UV-reflective scales in the center of the dorsal forewing eyespots of females, a known sexual ornament. Males displayed lower latency to mate and longer mating durations with ornamented females. The longer mating duration did not, however, translate in the transfer of a nuptial gift that increased female longevity or reduced male longevity. Instead, we propose that longer mating durations with ornamented females may represent increased mate guarding behavior or increased sperm transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swit Yee Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543 (; ; )
| | - Shivam Bhardwaj
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543 (; ; )
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543 (; ; )
- Yale-NUS College, 10 College Avenue West, Singapore 138609, Singapore, Singapore ()
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Sexual communication in castniid moths: Males mark their territories and appear to bear all chemical burden. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171166. [PMID: 28178286 PMCID: PMC5298307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Castniid moths (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) display a butterfly-like reproductive behavior, i.e., they use visual stimuli for mate location and females have apparently lost their pheromone glands in an evolutionary context. In this paper we report for the first time the identification of three new compounds, namely n-octadecyl acetate, (Z)-9-octadecenyl acetate and (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienyl acetate, in males of the Castniid Palm Borer, Paysandisia archon, which could be involved in its short-range courtship behavior, and also shed light on recent controversies on the sexual behavior of the species. The compounds are produced in a ring-shaped gland of the male terminalia and have occasionally been detected in very minor amounts (ng) in ovipositor extracts of females, but only while mating or just after copulation. We also report that males use the already known (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienol to mark their territory by rubbing their midlegs against the upper side of nearby leaves, especially palm leaves. This compound, produced in large amounts, is mostly concentrated in the midleg basitarsi and its maximum production is detected on the sexually mature 1-day-old specimens. In addition, analysis of male wings extracts confirms the presence of Z,E and E,E-farnesals, which are mostly produced in the median band of hindwings of 48-53 h-old insects. The biological significance of farnesals in this species is unknown. Our results point out that the chemical communication of P. archon relies mostly on males, which appear to bear all chemical burden in this respect.
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Dion E, Monteiro A, Yew JY. Phenotypic plasticity in sex pheromone production in Bicyclus anynana butterflies. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39002. [PMID: 27966579 PMCID: PMC5155268 DOI: 10.1038/srep39002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity refers to the environmental control of phenotypes. Cues experienced during development (developmental plasticity) or during adulthood (acclimatization) can both affect adult phenotypes. Phenotypic plasticity has been described in many traits but examples of developmental plasticity in physiological traits, in particular, remain scarce. We examined developmental plasticity and acclimatization in pheromone production in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana in response to rearing temperature. B. anynana lives in the African tropics where warm rearing temperatures of the wet season produce active males that court and females that choose, whereas cooler temperatures of the dry season lead to choosy less active males and courting females. We hypothesized that if male pheromone production is costly, it should be reduced in the dry season form. After describing the ultrastructure of pheromone producing cells, we showed that dry season males produced significantly less sex pheromones than wet season males, partly due to acclimatization and partly due to developmental plasticity. Variation in levels of one of the compounds is associated with differential regulation of a pheromone biosynthetic enzyme gene. This plasticity might be an adaptation to minimize pheromone production costs during the stressful dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Dion
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Science Drive 4, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.,Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, 118173, Singapore
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Science Drive 4, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.,Yale-NUS College, 6 College Avenue East, 138614, Singapore
| | - Joanne Y Yew
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, 1993 East West Road, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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What makes a good mate? Factors influencing male and female reproductive success in a polyphagous moth. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Li Y, Mathews RA. In vivo real-time monitoring of aphrodisiac pheromone release of small white cabbage butterflies (Pieris rapae). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 91-92:107-112. [PMID: 27405008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The study of insect behavior is of practical importance for developing possible control methods in Integrated Pest Management. Currently, one model of butterfly mating behavior suggests that the initial location of potential mates occurs visually followed by the release of one or more short-range male aphrodisiac pheromones. This model is supported by data obtained from field observations and inferences based on the behavioral effects of chemicals extracted or isolated using indirect and offline techniques. In this study, we performed in vivo real-time monitoring of the male aphrodisiac pheromones released by the small white cabbage male butterfly (Pieris rapae Linnaeus) using confined direct analysis in real time (cDART) mass spectrometry. cDART is a new method easily adapted to the study in real time of chemicals released into the environment by virtually any insect. The major compound released by the male Pieris rapae was identified as ferrulactone. The experimental results reported here indicate that the release of ferrulactone occurs less than 1s after the male visualizes its partner, and reaches a maximum after about one half minute. This study is the first reported in vivo detection and monitoring of butterfly male aphrodisiac pheromones in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Robert A Mathews
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC 20013, USA.
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47
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Schnapp A, Niehoff AC, Koch A, Dreisewerd K. Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of lipids using etched silver substrates. Methods 2016; 104:194-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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48
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Da XW, Zhang R, Chen GL, Ren QM, Lin YF, Du B. Why Do Males ofParnassius imperatorFight for Bare Rocks but Not the Nectar Flower During Mate Selection? Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Wei Da
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Guo-Liang Chen
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Qing-Miao Ren
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Yi-Fan Lin
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Bo Du
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
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49
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Sarto I Monteys V, Quero C, Santa-Cruz MC, Rosell G, Guerrero A. Sexual communication in day-flying Lepidoptera with special reference to castniids or 'butterfly-moths'. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 106:1-11. [PMID: 27046288 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485316000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Butterflies and moths are subject to different evolutionary pressures that affect several aspects of their behaviour and physiology, particularly sexual communication. Butterflies are day-flying insects (excluding hedylids) whose partner-finding strategy is mainly based on visual cues and female butterflies having apparently lost the typical sex pheromone glands. Moths, in contrast, are mostly night-flyers and use female-released long-range pheromones for partner-finding. However, some moth families are exclusively day-flyers, and therefore subject to evolutionary pressures similar to those endured by butterflies. Among them, the Castniidae, also called 'butterfly-moths' or 'sun-moths', behave like butterflies and, thus, castniid females appear to have also lost their pheromone glands, an unparallel attribute in the world of moths. In this paper, we review the sexual communication strategy in day-flying Lepidoptera, mainly butterflies (superfamily Papilionoidea), Zygaenidae and Castniidae moths, and compare their mating behaviour with that of moth families of nocturnal habits, paying particular attention to the recently discovered butterfly-like partner-finding strategy of castniids and the fascinating facts and debates that led to its discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sarto I Monteys
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA),Entomology, Plants and Health-Room Z/141,Building Z - ICTA-ICP,Autonomous University of Barcelona,08193 Bellaterra,Barcelona,Spain
| | - C Quero
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Modelling,IQAC (CSIC),Jordi Girona 18. 08034,Barcelona,Spain
| | - M C Santa-Cruz
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona,08193 Bellaterra,Barcelona,Spain
| | - G Rosell
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Unit Associated to CSIC),Faculty of Pharmacy,University of Barcelona,Av. Diagonal s/n,08028 Barcelona,Spain
| | - A Guerrero
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Modelling,IQAC (CSIC),Jordi Girona 18. 08034,Barcelona,Spain
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