A major locus controls a biologically active pheromone component in Heliconius melpomene.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the production, response, and genetics of signals used in mate choice can inform our understanding of the evolution of both intraspecific mate choice and reproductive isolation. Sex pheromones are important for courtship and mate choice in many insects, but we know relatively little of their role in butterflies. The butterfly Heliconius melpomene uses a complex blend of wing androconial compounds during courtship. Electroantennography in H. melpomene and its close relative Heliconius cydno showed that responses to androconial extracts were not species specific. Females of both species responded equally strongly to extracts of both species, suggesting conservation of peripheral nervous system elements across the two species. Individual blend components provoked little to no re

SUBMITTER: Byers KJRP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7027519 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature