A shared gene but distinct dynamics regulate mimicry polymorphisms in closely related species.

ABSTRACT: Sex-limited polymorphisms, such as mating strategies in male birds and mimicry in female butterflies, are widespread across the tree of life and are frequently adaptive. Considerable work has been done exploring the ecological pressures and evolutionary forces that generate and maintain genetic variation resulting in alternative sex-limited morphs, yet little is known about their molecular and developmental genetic basis. A powerful system to investigate this is Papilio butterflies: within the subgenus Menelaides, multiple closely related species have female-limited mimicry polymorphism, with females developing either derived mimetic or ancestral non-mimetic wing color patterns. While mimetic color patterns are different between species, each polymorphism is controlled by all

SUBMITTER: Sheikh SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11908123 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature