A team led by Alfried Vogler (Life Sciences and Natural History Museum) have discovered the gene that enables a harmless butterfly to display wing patterns that mimic toxic species.

Mimicry of the butterfly effect

A team led by Alfried Vogler (Life Sciences and Natural History Museum) have discovered the gene that enables a harmless butterfly to display wing patterns that mimic toxic species.

The female butterfly Papilio dardanus, or the mocker swallowtail, can display a wide variety of wing patterns, including colours and patterns that mimic toxic species and allow the butterfly to avoid predation. Since the 1950’s biologists have been trying to identify the genetic basis of wing pattern, and until now this has remained a mystery. The new research, published in ‘Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences’ has identified the developmental gene ‘invected’ as being responsible for the allocation of wing patterns and colour.

Speaking on his work, Dr Vogler says 'We've taken a big step towards identifying exactly how this fascinating insect species is endowed with such a wide variety of extremely useful wing patterns,'
The team now plans to study this genetic region in more detail. In addition, the study has raised further questions on whether the evolution of these mimic patterns occurred in small gradual steps or sudden leaps.

The research and comments from Dr Vogler have been highlighted in the Daily Telegraph.
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