Pattern formation in colour on butterfly wings.
Butterflies have uniquely vivid and varied wing-colour patterns. Recent studies show that their formation involves novel expression of homologues of Drosophila appendage-patterning genes, notably Distal-less. Pattern diversity can arise at several developmental stages, either through mutation or in response to environmental conditions. Many loci are known (e.g. in Heliconius) that have major effects on the colour pattern and these invite molecular analysis.
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Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratory, UK. vernon.french@ed.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D002080:Butterflies / Q000235:genetics*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000235:genetics*; D012621:Seasons; D014921:Wings, Animal / Q000254:growth & development*