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How butterflies got their spots: A 'supergene' controls wing pattern diversity
September 26, 2006Butterflies are known to employ some interesting convergent evolutionary tactics to survive-some nonpoisonous species have similar wing patterns to those of noxious species that predators avoid. In a new study published online today in the open access journal PLoS Biology, Mathieu Joron, Chris Jiggins, and colleagues investigate the underlying genetic mechanisms of such molecular mimicry in three species of Heliconius butterflies.
In this study, the authors investigate two distantly related species (H. melpomene and H. erato) that have similar wing patterns and a third species, H. numata, that is closely related to H. melpomene, but displays very different wing patterns. Each of these three species is also known to mimic a different species within another butterfly genus, Melinaea. Several genomic loci are already known to be responsible in part for encoding the wing patterns and colorings. To explore the genetic backgrounds of each of these species, the authors crossed different races of each species and genotyped the offspring in order to identify genes responsible for the color patterns. Thus, they were able to map the color pattern controlling loci in each species: N, Yb, and Sb for H. melpomene; Cr for H. erato; and P for H. numata. Using molecular markers within the pattern encoding genic regions, the authors then found that the loci controlling color pattern variation for each species lie within the same genomic equivalent locations.
This "supergene" region therefore seems to be responsible for producing wing pattern diversity in Heliconius butterflies. Such a locus plays what researchers call a "jack-of-all-trades flexibility" rather than a constraining role. Under natural selection, this region presumably functions as a "developmental switching mechanism" by responding to a wide range of mimetic pressures to produce radially divergent, locally adapted wing patterns.
Public Library of Science
Public Library of Science
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BUTTERFLY SPIRAL by Get Organized Butterfly spiral adds shimmering serenity to your garden. Laser-engraved butterflies bend and refract sunlight in an ever-changing display of radiant colors asthey spin in the breeze. 21". |
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Sterling Silver Amethyst Butterfly Pendant, 18" by Amazon.com Collection Round and marquise-shaped amethyst stones form bright butterfly wings in this charming sterling silver pendant. The stones are held securely in prong settings and frame a silver centerpiece detailed with polished bead accents. Appointed with a split bale, this pendant slides along an 18-inch sterling silver frozantin chain that fastens in back with a spring ring clasp. Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone that has been prized by royalty throughout the ages for its regal purple color. |
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Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 6 by Lenox Create a buzz at your table with this dinnerware set filled with images of butterflies, bumblebees, dragonflies, and flowers. Based on the artistry of Lenox designer Louise Le Luyer, the set brings a splash of color to your table. Diameter of dinner plate: 10¾", salad plate: 9", capacity of mug: 12 oz. |
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Sterling Silver Butterfly Pendant, 18" by Amazon.com Collection Crafted from brightly polished sterling silver, this graceful butterfly pendant features soft curves and pretty cut-out details. A smooth and brightly polished 16-inch box chain threads directly through the top of the pendant and fastens with a spring ring clasp. An additional two inches of chain allows the wearer to adjust the length to suit her taste. |
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Tapout Junior's Butterfly T-Shirt,Black,Medium by Tapout Girl's Longsleeve Butterfly Long sleeve V-Neck SKU: GLS006-BLACK Black Longsleeve V-Neck with Purple TapouT Butterfly design up the left side. |
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Live Butterfly Garden by Insect Lore Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with this reusable, collapsible habitat. Fine, transparent mesh lets you see butterfly metamorphosis up close. Product includes easy-to-use feeder and complete instructions for habitat. Butterfly larvae with food shipped directly to your home. The habitat collapses for storage when not in use. You can adopt and raise a handful of caterpillars, watch them transform into painted lady butterflies, then lift the garden cover to release your beautiful specimens into the wild. This exciting habitat makes a fabulous introduction to the miracles of nature. The larvae and food available round the year. |
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Butterfly by Kathryn Harvey (Author), Sharon Stewart (Editor) Above an exclusive men’s store on Rodeo Drive, there is a private club called Butterfly, where women are free to act out their secret erotic fantasies. Only the most beautiful and powerful women in Beverly Hills are invited to join … JESSICA—The lawyer, who longs for the days when men were men, and women dressed to please them. TRUDIE—The builder, who wants a man who will challenge her—all of her—with no holds barred. LINDA—The surgeon, who uses masks to unmask the desires she hides even from herself. But the most mysterious of them all is the woman who created Butterfly. She has changed her name, her accent, even her face to hide her true identity. And now she is about to reveal everything to realize the dream that has driven her since... |
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10-String Fiberoptic Butterfly Strand by Creative Motion Industries Light up a room or window with colorful glowing butterflies. This string of 10 butterflies glows with fiber optics in a range of pastel colors including yellow, peach, pale pink and lavender. Imported. 120L". |
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Trend Lab Butterfly Wall Clock by Trend Lab - Dimensions (in inches): 11. 25 W x 14. 25 L x 2. 75 H. |
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