Gene Family Evolution Suggests Correlated Dietary Adaptations in Butterflies and Moths.

ABSTRACT: Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are a megadiverse lineage of approximately 160,000 described species. Their evolutionary success is thought to be closely linked to the radiation of flowering plants and represents a classic example of co-evolution. However, mechanisms by which these insects evolved to feed on such diverse plant hosts remain largely unknown. Previous studies found emergent gene families of odorant receptors and peptidases in the ancestor of Lepidoptera, suggesting these genetic innovations may be linked to Lepidoptera diversification. Here, we examined 431 genomes and identified lineage-specific gene families within Lepidoptera and 3 key nested clades. We found 54, 88, 77, and 4 functionally annotated gene families specific to Lepidoptera, Glossata, Ditrysia, and Apoditr

SUBMITTER: Weng YM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12477841 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature