Presentation Details
| A multi-angle view of plasticity and function of iridescence in Morpho butterflies Juliette J.Rubin1, 2, Pushkar R.Wagh2, Leo T.Camino2, 3, Yanileth F.Lopez-Tacoaman2, 4, Greta Hernandez2, W.Owen McMillan2. 1Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.2Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa Panama.3Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.4Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA |
Abstract
Iridescence is widespread across butterflies with diverse functions, including anti-predator defense and mate signaling. This color strategy is generated by nanostructures on the wing scales. It is unclear how vulnerable these structures are to environmental conditions during development and how sensitive relevant perceivers are to color changes that may be incurred by environmentally-modified nanostructures. Here, we exposed Morpho helenor to three temperature treatments during pupal development: control tropical (28°C day/night), temperate cool (28°C day/ 14°C night), and hot house (35°C day/ 28°C night; simulating the IPCC business-as-usual climate scenario). We found that the hot house treatment dulled Morpho iridescence. This effect seemed to partly result from a narrowing of the distance between ridge nanostructures. To test how dulled iridescence may influence important biological activities, we conducted mating trials where female M. helenor were able to choose between fully iridescent or completely dulled males. Contrary to predictions, we found no differences. We discuss the alternate roles that iridescence likely plays and the importance of plasticity in this trait.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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