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Thayer RC, Patel NH. A meta-analysis of butterfly structural colors: their color range, distribution and biological production. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245940. [PMID: 37937662 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Butterfly scales are among the richest natural sources of optical nanostructures, which produce structural color and iridescence. Several recurring nanostructure types have been described, such as ridge multilayers, gyroids and lower lamina thin films. While the optical mechanisms of these nanostructure classes are known, their phylogenetic distributions and functional ranges have not been described in detail. In this Review, we examine a century of research on the biological production of structural colors, including their evolution, development and genetic regulation. We have also created a database of more than 300 optical nanostructures in butterflies and conducted a meta-analysis of the color range, abundance and phylogenetic distribution of each nanostructure class. Butterfly structural colors are ubiquitous in short wavelengths but extremely rare in long wavelengths, especially red. In particular, blue wavelengths (around 450 nm) occur in more clades and are produced by more kinds of nanostructures than other hues. Nanostructure categories differ in prevalence, phylogenetic distribution, color range and brightness. For example, lamina thin films are the least bright; perforated lumen multilayers occur most often but are almost entirely restricted to the family Lycaenidae; and 3D photonic crystals, including gyroids, have the narrowest wavelength range (from about 450 to 550 nm). We discuss the implications of these patterns in terms of nanostructure evolution, physical constraint and relationships to pigmentary color. Finally, we highlight opportunities for future research, such as analyses of subadult and Hesperid structural colors and the identification of genes that directly build the nanostructures, with relevance for biomimetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Thayer
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nipam H Patel
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
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2
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Hanly JJ, Francescutti CM, Loh LS, Corning OBWH, Long DJ, Nakatani MA, Porter AH, Martin A. Genetics of yellow-orange color variation in a pair of sympatric sulphur butterflies. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112820. [PMID: 37481719 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous color polymorphisms can serve as a tractable model for the genetic and developmental architecture of traits. Here we investigated continuous color variation in Colias eurytheme and Colias philodice, two species of sulphur butterflies that hybridize in sympatry. Using quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and high-throughput color quantification, we found two interacting large-effect loci affecting orange-to-yellow chromaticity. Knockouts of red Malpighian tubules (red), likely involved in endosomal maturation, result in depigmented wing scales. Additionally, the transcription factor bric-a-brac can act as a modulator of orange pigmentation. We also describe the QTL architecture of other continuously varying traits, together supporting a large-X effect model where the genetic control of species-defining traits is enriched on sex chromosomes. This study sheds light on the range of possible genetic architectures that can underpin a continuously varying trait and illustrates the power of using automated measurement to score phenotypes that are not always conspicuous to the human eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Hanly
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama.
| | | | - Ling S Loh
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Olaf B W H Corning
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Derek J Long
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marshall A Nakatani
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Adam H Porter
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Szischik C, Inchaussandague M, Skigin D. Electromagnetic response of corrugated multilayer systems inspired by the Dione vanillae butterfly scales. JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. A, OPTICS, IMAGE SCIENCE, AND VISION 2023; 40:C68-C73. [PMID: 37132958 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.479677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by the microstructures in the wing scales of the butterfly Dione vanillae, we investigate the optical response of two multilayer structures, which include one or two corrugated interfaces. The reflectance is calculated using the C-method and is compared with that of a planar multilayer. We perform a detailed analysis of the influence of each geometric parameter and study the angular response, which is important for structures exhibiting iridescence. The results of this study aim to contribute to the design of multilayer structures with predetermined optical responses.
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Antennapedia and optix regulate metallic silver wing scale development and cell shape in Bicyclus anynana butterflies. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111052. [PMID: 35793633 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111052] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Butterfly wing scales can develop intricate cuticular nanostructures that produce silver colors, but the underlying genetic and physical basis of such colors is mostly unexplored. Here, we characterize different types of wild-type silver scales in Bicyclus anynana butterflies and show that the varying thickness of the air layer between two cuticular laminas is most important for producing silvery broadband reflectance. We then address the function of five genes-apterous A, Ultrabithorax, doublesex, Antennapedia, and optix-in silver scale development by examining crispants with either ectopic gains or losses of silver scales. Simultaneous transformations of three parameters-loss of the upper lamina, increased lower lamina thickness, and increased pigmentation-occur when silver scales become brown and vice versa when brown scales become silver. Antennapedia and optix are high-level regulators of different silver scale types and determine cell shape in both sexes. Moreover, Antennapedia is involved in determining ridge and crossrib orientation.
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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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Dolinko A, Borgmann L, Lutz C, Curticean ER, Wacker I, Vidal MS, Szischik C, Donie Y, Inchaussandague M, Skigin D, Hölscher H, Tubaro P, Barreira A. Analysis of the optical properties of the silvery spots on the wings of the Gulf Fritillary, Dione vanillae. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19341. [PMID: 34588495 PMCID: PMC8481520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral face of the wings of the butterfly Dione vanillae is covered with bright and shiny silvery spots. These areas contain densely packed ground- and coverscales with a bright metallic appearance reflecting more than 50% of light uniformly over the visible range. Our analysis shows that this optically attractive feature is caused by the inner microstructure of the scales located in these areas. Electron microscopy of cross sections through the scales shows that upper and lower lamina, supporting trabeculae, and topping ridges can be approximated by a 'circus tent'-like geometry. By simulating its optical properties, we show that a moderate disorder of this geometry is important for the uniform reflection of light resulting in the silvery appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Dolinko
- CONICET, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luisa Borgmann
- Institute for Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Christian Lutz
- Institute for Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ernest Ronald Curticean
- CryoEM, BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irene Wacker
- CryoEM, BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - María Sol Vidal
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Grupo de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 1, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Candela Szischik
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Grupo de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 1, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yidenekachew Donie
- Light Technology Institute (LTI), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Engesserstrasse 13, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Marina Inchaussandague
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Grupo de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 1, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires (IFIBA), CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 1, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diana Skigin
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Grupo de Electromagnetismo Aplicado, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 1, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires (IFIBA), CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 1, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hendrik Hölscher
- Institute for Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Pablo Tubaro
- División de Ornitología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias, Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" MACN-CONICET, Av. Angel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Barreira
- División de Ornitología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias, Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" MACN-CONICET, Av. Angel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Vanthournout B, Rousaki A, Parmentier T, Janssens F, Mertens J, Vandenabeele P, D'Alba L, Shawkey M. Springtail coloration at a finer scale: mechanisms behind vibrant collembolan metallic colours. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210188. [PMID: 34229459 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms and evolution of metallic structural colours are of both fundamental and applied interest, yet most work in arthropods has focused on derived butterflies and beetles with distinct hues. In particular, basal hexapods-groups with many scaled, metallic representatives-are currently poorly studied and controversial, with some recent studies suggesting either that thin-film (lamina thickness) or diffraction grating (longitudinal ridges, cross-ribs) elements produce these colours in early Lepidoptera and one springtail (Collembola) species. Especially the collembolan basal scale design, consisting of a single lamina and longitudinal ridges with smooth valleys lacking cross-ribs, makes them an interesting group to explore the mechanisms of metallic coloration. Using microspectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy and finite-difference time-domain optical modelling, we investigated scale colour in seven springtail species that show clear metallic coloration. Reflectance spectra are largely uniform and exhibit a broadband metallic/golden coloration with peaks in the violet/blue region. Our simulations confirm the role of the longitudinal ridges, working in conjunction with thin-film effects to produce a broadband metallic coloration. Broadband coloration occurs through spatial colour mixing, which probably results from nanoscale variation in scale thickness and ridge height and distance. These results provide crucial insights into the colour production mechanisms in a basal scale design and highlight the need for further investigation of scaled, basal arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Vanthournout
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Anastasia Rousaki
- Raman Spectroscopy Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S12, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Parmentier
- Research Unit of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Namur Institute of Complex Systems, and Institute of Life, Earth, and the Environment, Namur University, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium.,Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Frans Janssens
- Department of Biology, Antwerp University, Antwerp B-2020, Belgium
| | - Johan Mertens
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandenabeele
- Raman Spectroscopy Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S12, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Archaeometry Research Group, Department of Archaeology, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liliana D'Alba
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Matthew Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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The evolution of structural colour in butterflies. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:28-34. [PMID: 33540167 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Butterflies display some of the most striking examples of structural colour in nature. These colours originate from cuticular scales that cover the wing surface, which have evolved a diverse suite of optical nanostructures capable of manipulating light. In this review we explore recent advances in the evolution of structural colour in butterflies. We discuss new insights into the underlying genetics and development of the structural colours in various nanostructure types. Improvements in -omic and imaging technologies have been paramount to these new advances and have permitted an increased appreciation of their development and evolution.
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