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Cama B, Heaton K, Thomas-Oates J, Schulz S, Dasmahapatra KK. Complexity of Chemical Emissions Increases Concurrently with Sexual Maturity in Heliconius Butterflies. J Chem Ecol 2024; 50:197-213. [PMID: 38478290 PMCID: PMC11233321 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-024-01484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Pheromone communication is widespread among animals. Since it is often involved in mate choice, pheromone production is often tightly controlled. Although male sex pheromones (MSPs) and anti-aphrodisiacs have been studied in some Heliconius butterfly species, little is known about the factors affecting their production and release in these long-lived butterflies. Here, we investigate the effect of post-eclosion age on chemical blends from pheromone-emitting tissues in Heliconius atthis and Heliconius charithonia, exhibiting respectively free-mating and pupal-mating strategies that are hypothesised to differently affect the timing of their pheromone emissions. We focus on two different tissues: the wing androconia, responsible for MSPs used in courtship, and the genital tip, the production site for anti-aphrodisiac pheromones that affect post-mating behaviour. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of tissue extracts from virgin males and females of both species from day 0 to 8 post-eclosion demonstrates the following. Some ubiquitous fatty acid precursors are already detectable at day 0. The complexity of the chemical blends increases with age regardless of tissue or sex. No obvious difference in the time course of blend production was evident between the two species, but female tissues in H. charithonia were more affected by age than in H. atthis. We suggest that compounds unique to male androconia and genitals and whose amount increases with age are potential candidates for future investigation into their roles as pheromones. While this analysis revealed some of the complexity in Heliconius chemical ecology, the effects of other factors, such as the time of day, remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Cama
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Karl Heaton
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Jane Thomas-Oates
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
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2
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Raičević V, Mladenović M, Aćimović M, Radulović N. New esters from the essential oil of dry flowers of elder (Sambucus nigra L.). JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:1308-1321. [PMID: 37759401 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) has relevance for the food, fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. Flowers of this species emit a very pleasant scent; for processing purposes, inflorescences are either collected from the wild or harvested from a cultivated crop. The study of elderflower-derived volatiles bears both phytochemical and commercial importance. RESULTS Three samples of dry elderflower essential oil obtained from laboratory-scale hydrodistillations were analyzed. By use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, synthesis and NMR studies of chromatographic fractions of a distillation water extract prepared in a semi-industrial scale steam distillation, 252 constituents of the oil were identified; 115 compounds were not previously reported as elderflower volatiles, seven of which were new natural esters. Particularly interesting were those of isosenecioic (3-methylbut-3-enoic) acid because these were never before found in the plant kingdom. CONCLUSION With these identifications, the known essential oil constituents accounted for 89.0-93.0% of the analyzed samples. Although the number of known S. nigra flower-derived volatiles is now quite high, further research (both analytical and olfactory) is needed to unveil all of the relevant contributions to the unique odor of elderflowers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidak Raičević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marko Mladenović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Niko Radulović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
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3
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Ehlers S, Blow R, Szczerbowski D, Jiggins C, Schulz S. Variation of Clasper Scent Gland Composition of Heliconius Butterflies from a Biodiversity Hotspot. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300537. [PMID: 37650217 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Male Heliconius butterflies possess two pheromone emitting structures, wing androconia and abdominal clasper scent glands. The composition of the clasper scent gland of males of 17 Heliconius and Eueides species from an overlapping area in Ecuador, comprising three mimicry groups, was investigated by GC/MS. The chemical signal serves as an anti-aphrodisiac signal that is transferred from males to females during mating, indicating the mating status of the female to prevent them from harassment by other males. In addition, the odour may also serve in predator defence. There is potential for convergence driven by mimicry, although, such convergence might be detrimental for species recognition of the butterflies within the mimicry ring, making mating more difficult. More than 500 compounds were detected, consisting of volatile, semi-volatile or non-volatile compounds, including terpenes, fatty acid esters or aromatic compounds. Several novel esters were identified by GC/MS and GC/IR data, microderivatisation and synthesis, including butyl (Z)-3-dodecenoate and other (Z)-3-alkenoates, 3-oxohexyl citronellate and 5-methylhexa-3,5-dienyl (E)-2,3-dihydrofarnesoate. The secretions were found to be species specific, potentially allowing for species differentiation. Statistical analysis of the compounds showed differentiation by phylogenetic clade and species, but not by mimicry group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ehlers
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rachel Blow
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chris Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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4
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Rebholz Z, Lancaster J, Larose H, Khrimian A, Luck K, Sparks ME, Gendreau KL, Shewade L, Köllner TG, Weber DC, Gundersen-Rindal DE, O'Maille P, Morozov AV, Tholl D. Ancient origin and conserved gene function in terpene pheromone and defense evolution of stink bugs and hemipteran insects. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 152:103879. [PMID: 36470318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Insects use diverse arrays of small molecules such as metabolites of the large class of terpenes for intra- and inter-specific communication and defense. These molecules are synthesized by specialized metabolic pathways; however, the origin of enzymes involved in terpene biosynthesis and their evolution in insect genomes is still poorly understood. We addressed this question by investigating the evolution of isoprenyl diphosphate synthase (IDS)-like genes with terpene synthase (TPS) function in the family of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) within the large order of piercing-sucking Hemipteran insects. Stink bugs include species of global pest status, many of which emit structurally related 15-carbon sesquiterpenes as sex or aggregation pheromones. We provide evidence for the emergence of IDS-type TPS enzymes at the onset of pentatomid evolution over 100 million years ago, coinciding with the evolution of flowering plants. Stink bugs of different geographical origin maintain small IDS-type families with genes of conserved TPS function, which stands in contrast to the diversification of TPS genes in plants. Expanded gene mining and phylogenetic analysis in other hemipteran insects further provides evidence for an ancient emergence of IDS-like genes under presumed selection for terpene-mediated chemical interactions, and this process occurred independently from a similar evolution of IDS-type TPS genes in beetles. Our findings further suggest differences in TPS diversification in insects and plants in conjunction with different modes of gene functionalization in chemical interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarley Rebholz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Latham Hall, 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Jason Lancaster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Latham Hall, 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Hailey Larose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Latham Hall, 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ashot Khrimian
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Katrin Luck
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael E Sparks
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Kerry L Gendreau
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Latham Hall, 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Leena Shewade
- SRI International, Biosciences Division, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025-3493, USA
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Donald C Weber
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Dawn E Gundersen-Rindal
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Paul O'Maille
- SRI International, Biosciences Division, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025-3493, USA
| | - Alexandre V Morozov
- Department of Physics & Astronomy and Center for Quantitative Biology, Rutgers University, 136 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8019, USA
| | - Dorothea Tholl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Latham Hall, 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Visual cues and body volatile β-ocimene are used by the blue tiger butterfly Tirumala limniace to identify conspecifics during courtship. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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6
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Cama B, Ehlers S, Szczerbowski D, Thomas-Oates J, Jiggins CD, Schulz S, McMillan WO, Dasmahapatra KK. Exploitation of an ancestral pheromone biosynthetic pathway contributes to diversification in Heliconius butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220474. [PMID: 35892212 PMCID: PMC9326301 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During courtship, male butterflies of many species produce androconial secretions containing male sex pheromones (MSPs) that communicate species identity and affect female choice. MSPs are thus likely candidates as reproductive barriers, yet their role in speciation remains poorly studied. Although Heliconius butterflies are a model system in speciation, their MSPs have not been investigated from a macroevolutionary perspective. We use GC/MS to characterize male androconial secretions in 33 of the 69 species in the Heliconiini tribe. We found these blends to be species-specific, consistent with a role in reproductive isolation. We detected a burst in blend diversification rate at the most speciose genus, Heliconius; a consequence of Heliconius and Eueides species using a fatty acid (FA) metabolic pathway to unlock more complex blends than basal Heliconiini species, whose secretions are dominated by plant-like metabolites. A comparison of 10 sister species pairs demonstrates a striking positive correlation between blend dissimilarity and range overlap, consistent with character displacement or reinforcement in sympatry. These results demonstrate for the first time that MSP diversification can promote reproductive isolation across this group of butterflies, showcasing how implementation of an ancestral trait, the co-option of the FA metabolic pathway for pheromone production, can facilitate rapid speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Cama
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Stephanie Ehlers
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Jane Thomas-Oates
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
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7
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Liu J, Li M, Chen S, Yao J, Shi L, Chen X. Comparative analysis on visual and olfactory signals of Papilio xuthus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) during foraging and courtship. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263709. [PMID: 35767532 PMCID: PMC9242464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the roles of visual and olfactory responses during foraging and courtship in butterfly Papilio xuthus. P. xuthus showed obvious orientation to color in the range of 350-500 nm. Visits of P. xuthus females and males to blue, purple, and red artificial cloth flowers were ♀ 54.90% and ♂ 39.22%, ♀ 19.61% and ♂ 35.29%, and ♀ 9.80% and ♂ 19.61%, respectively. Application of 10% honey on these artificial flowers resulted in an increase of 3.41 and 3.26 fold in flower visits by the butterfly compared to controls. When 10% honey water was sprayed on flower branches without colorful flowers, branch visiting was very low, only seven times for females and two times for males, indicating that colors might be more critical than odor for foraging even though visual and olfactory perceptions both play important roles during foraging. During courtship, four types of chasing were observed in a natural population of P. Xuthus; the four types are males chasing females (49%), males chasing males (25%), females chasing males (13%), and females chasing females (10%). However, when odorless artificial models of butterflies were used, no significant differences were observed among these types of chasing, indicating that olfactory perception was crucial for the butterfly during courtship. Profiling volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and individual bioassays revealed that VOCs contents of butterflies were not related to recognizing sex partners; by contrast, some level of α-farnesene, increased the frequency of male chasing female. This could be due to that α-farnesene is easy to be detected by butterflies because of its volatility and higher content in female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Mingtao Li
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Shunan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Lei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of State Forestry Administration, Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, P.R. China
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8
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Szczerbowski D, Ehlers S, Darragh K, Jiggins C, Schulz S. Head and Tail Oxidized Terpenoid Esters from Androconia of Heliconius erato Butterflies. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:1428-1435. [PMID: 35587731 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Heliconius erato is a neotropical butterfly species that is part of a complex mimicry ring, with colorful wing patterns. For intraspecific communication, males use pheromones that are released from two different scent-emitting structures. Scent glands located near the abdominal claspers of males, containing antiaphrodisiac pheromones, release a highly complex mixture of compounds that is transferred to females during mating, rendering them unattractive to other males. On the other hand, androconia, scent-emitting scale areas on the wings of male butterflies, release a structurally more restricted set of compounds that likely serves an aphrodisiac role. We report here on two structurally related compounds that are the major androconial constituents, produced in high amounts and are not volatile due to their high molecular mass. Their structures were established by extensive analysis of mass, infrared, and NMR spectra, as well as microderivatization reactions of the natural extract. After establishing synthetic access, the compounds were unequivocally identified as two unusual head and tail oxidized terpenoids, (4E,8E,12E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-16-oxoheptadeca-4,8,12-trien-1-yl oleate (1) and stearate (2). Although behavioral assays are necessary to fully comprehend their role in the chemical communication of the species, hypotheses for their use by the butterflies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane Szczerbowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Stephanie Ehlers
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Kathy Darragh
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Chris Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EJ, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig Germany
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9
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Melo DJ, Borges EO, Szczerbowski D, Vidal DM, Schulz S, Zarbin PHG. Identification and Synthesis of a Macrolide as an Anti-aphrodisiac Pheromone from Males of Heliconius erato phyllis. Org Lett 2022; 24:3772-3775. [PMID: 35609879 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c01160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of the contents of the scent glands of the heliconiine butterfly Heliconius erato phyllis via gas chromatography/electroantennography revealed an unprecedented active compound. The males transfer this compound to females during mating. The structure of (2R,6E,10R)-2,6-dimethyl-6-undecen-10-olide, a derivative of geranylacetone, was proposed on the basis of infrared and mass spectrometry spectra and microderivatization and confirmed by racemic and stereoselective syntheses. Bioassays with the synthetic macrolide showed the repellency of this compound, termed phyllisolide, when applied to scent glands of females, identifying it as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Melo
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Química, 81531-990 Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Eliane O Borges
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Zoologia, 81531-990 Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Química, 81531-990 Curitiba, Brazil.,Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Organic Chemistry, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Diogo M Vidal
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Química, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Organic Chemistry, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Paulo H G Zarbin
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Química, 81531-990 Curitiba, Brazil
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10
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Abstract
Butterflies use structurally highly diverse volatile compounds for communication, in addition to visual signals. These compounds originate from plants or a formed de novo especially by male butterflies that possess specific scent organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ehlers
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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11
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Ehlers S, Szczerbowski D, Harig T, Stell M, Hötling S, Darragh K, Jiggins CD, Schulz S. Identification and Composition of Clasper Scent Gland Components of the Butterfly Heliconius erato and Its Relation to Mimicry. Chembiochem 2021; 22:3300-3313. [PMID: 34547164 PMCID: PMC9293309 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The butterfly Heliconius erato occurs in various mimetic morphs. The male clasper scent gland releases an anti‐aphrodisiac pheromone and additionally contains a complex mixture of up to 350 components, varying between individuals. In 114 samples of five different mimicry groups and their hybrids 750 different compounds were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Many unknown components occurred, which were identified using their mass spectra, gas chromatography/infrared spectroscopy (GC/IR)‐analyses, derivatization, and synthesis. Key compounds proved to be various esters of 3‐oxohexan‐1‐ol and (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol with (S)‐2,3‐dihydrofarnesoic acid, accompanied by a large variety of other esters with longer terpene acids, fatty acids, and various alcohols. In addition, linear terpenes with up to seven uniformly connected isoprene units occur, e. g. farnesylfarnesol. A large number of the compounds have not been reported before from nature. Discriminant analyses of principal components of the gland contents showed that the iridescent mimicry group differs strongly from the other, mostly also separated, mimicry groups. Comparison with data from other species indicated that Heliconius recruits different biosynthetic pathways in a species‐specific manner for semiochemical formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ehlers
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tim Harig
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Matthew Stell
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susan Hötling
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kathy Darragh
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, Storer Hall University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Chris D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EJ, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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12
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Potdar S, Westerman EL. Digest: Recurrence of sexually dimorphic neurological structure in neotropical butterflies . Evolution 2021; 75:3221-3223. [PMID: 34773401 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Although many traits can be gained or lost over evolutionary time, it has long been unclear whether complex sensory processing structures, such as brain neuropils, can be regained after having been lost. Morris et al. show that a part of the brain once lost in butterflies, a macro-glomeruli complex (MGC) in the antennal lobe, is prevalent and has diversified in the Ithomiini tribe. This structure is sexually dimorphic in some species. This re-emergence of a complex sensory processing structure is likely driven by ecological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushant Potdar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701
| | - Erica L Westerman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701
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13
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Morris BJ, Couto A, Aydin A, Montgomery SH. Re-emergence and diversification of a specialized antennal lobe morphology in ithomiine butterflies. Evolution 2021; 75:3191-3202. [PMID: 34383301 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
How an organism's sensory system functions is central to how it navigates its environment. The insect olfactory system is a prominent model for investigating how ecological factors impact sensory reception and processing. Notably, work in Lepidoptera led to the discovery of vastly expanded structures, termed macroglomerular complexes (MGCs), within the primary olfactory processing centre. MGCs typically process pheromonal cues, are usually larger in males, and provide classic examples of how variation in the size of neural structures reflects the importance of sensory cues. Though prevalent across moths, MGCs were lost during the origin of butterflies, consistent with evidence that courtship initiation in butterflies is primarily reliant on visual cues, rather than long distance chemical signals. However, an MGC was recently described in a species of ithomiine butterfly, suggesting that this once lost neural adaptation has re-emerged in this tribe. Here, we show that MGC-like morphologies are widely distributed across ithomiines, but vary in both their structure and prevalence of sexual dimorphism. Based on this interspecific variation we suggest that the ithomiine MGC is involved in processing both plant and pheromonal cues, which have similarities in their chemical constitution, and co-evolved with an increased importance of plant derived chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy J Morris
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antoine Couto
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Asli Aydin
- School of Medicine, Koc University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Istanbul, Turkey
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Gupta S, Kumble ALK, Dey K, Bessière JM, Borges RM. The Scent of Life: Phoretic Nematodes Use Wasp Volatiles and Carbon Dioxide to Choose Functional Vehicles for Dispersal. J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:139-152. [PMID: 33475939 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01242-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hitchhikers (phoretic organisms) need vehicles to disperse out of unsuitable habitats. Therefore, finding vehicles with the right functional attributes is essential for phoretic organisms. To locate these vehicles, phoretic organisms employ cues within modalities, ranging from visual to chemical senses. However, how hitchhikers discriminate between individual vehicles has rarely been investigated. Using a phoretic nematode community associated with an obligate fig-fig wasp pollination mutualism, we had earlier established that hitchhiking nematodes make decisions based on vehicle species identity and number of conspecific hitchhikers already present on the vehicle. Here we investigate if hitchhikers can differentiate between physiological states of vehicles. We asked whether phoretic nematodes choose between live or dead vehicles present in a chemically crowded environment and we investigated the basis for any discrimination. We conducted two-choice and single-choice behavioral assays using single nematodes and found that plant- and animal-parasitic nematodes preferred live over dead vehicles and used volatiles as a sensory cue to make this decision. However, in single-choice assays, animal-parasitic nematodes were also attracted towards naturally dead or freeze-killed wasps. The volatile profile of the wasps was dominated by terpenes and spiroketals. We examined the volatile blend emitted by the different wasp physiological states and determined a set of volatiles that the phoretic nematodes might use to discriminate between these states which is likely coupled with respired CO2. We determined that CO2 levels emitted by single wasps are sufficient to attract nematodes, demonstrating the high sensitivity of nematodes to this metabolic product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyajeet Gupta
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Anusha L K Kumble
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Kaveri Dey
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | | | - Renee M Borges
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
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15
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Darragh K, Orteu A, Black D, Byers KJRP, Szczerbowski D, Warren IA, Rastas P, Pinharanda A, Davey JW, Fernanda Garza S, Abondano Almeida D, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. A novel terpene synthase controls differences in anti-aphrodisiac pheromone production between closely related Heliconius butterflies. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001022. [PMID: 33465061 PMCID: PMC7815096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants and insects often use the same compounds for chemical communication, but not much is known about the genetics of convergent evolution of chemical signals. The terpene (E)-β-ocimene is a common component of floral scent and is also used by the butterfly Heliconius melpomene as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone. While the biosynthesis of terpenes has been described in plants and microorganisms, few terpene synthases (TPSs) have been identified in insects. Here, we study the recent divergence of 2 species, H. melpomene and Heliconius cydno, which differ in the presence of (E)-β-ocimene; combining linkage mapping, gene expression, and functional analyses, we identify 2 novel TPSs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that one, HmelOS, is able to synthesise (E)-β-ocimene in vitro. We find no evidence for TPS activity in HcydOS (HmelOS ortholog of H. cydno), suggesting that the loss of (E)-β-ocimene in this species is the result of coding, not regulatory, differences. The TPS enzymes we discovered are unrelated to previously described plant and insect TPSs, demonstrating that chemical convergence has independent evolutionary origins. Plants and insects often use the same compounds for chemical communication, but little is known about the convergent evolution of such chemical signals. This study identifies a novel terpene synthase involved in production of an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone by the butterfly Heliconius melpomene. This enzyme is unrelated to other insect terpene synthases, providing evidence that the ability to synthesise terpenes has arisen multiple times independently within the insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Orteu
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniella Black
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Department of Life Sciences, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ian A. Warren
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pasi Rastas
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ana Pinharanda
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John W. Davey
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Department of Life Sciences, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
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16
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Byers KJRP, Darragh K, Fernanda Garza S, Abondano Almeida D, Warren IA, Rastas PMA, Merrill RM, Schulz S, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD. Clustering of loci controlling species differences in male chemical bouquets of sympatric Heliconius butterflies. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:89-107. [PMID: 33437416 PMCID: PMC7790645 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The degree to which loci promoting reproductive isolation cluster in the genome-that is, the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation-can influence the tempo and mode of speciation. Tight linkage between these loci can facilitate speciation in the face of gene flow. Pheromones play a role in reproductive isolation in many Lepidoptera species, and the role of endogenously produced compounds as secondary metabolites decreases the likelihood of pleiotropy associated with many barrier loci. Heliconius butterflies use male sex pheromones to both court females (aphrodisiac wing pheromones) and ward off male courtship (male-transferred antiaphrodisiac genital pheromones), and it is likely that these compounds play a role in reproductive isolation between Heliconius species. Using a set of backcross hybrids between H. melpomene and H. cydno, we investigated the genetic architecture of putative male pheromone compound production. We found a set of 40 significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) representing 33 potential pheromone compounds. QTL clustered significantly on two chromosomes, chromosome 8 for genital compounds and chromosome 20 for wing compounds, and chromosome 20 was enriched for potential pheromone biosynthesis genes. There was minimal overlap between pheromone QTL and known QTL for mate choice and color pattern. Nonetheless, we did detect linkage between a QTL for wing androconial area and optix, a color pattern locus known to play a role in reproductive isolation in these species. This tight clustering of putative pheromone loci might contribute to coincident reproductive isolating barriers, facilitating speciation despite ongoing gene flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyJohn Innes CentreNorwichUK
| | - Kathy Darragh
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Department of Evolution and EcologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - Sylvia Fernanda Garza
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Department of Collective BehaviourMax Planck Institute of Animal BehaviourKonstanzGermany
| | - Diana Abondano Almeida
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Institute for Ecology, Evolution and DiversityGoethe UniversitätFrankfurtGermany
| | - Ian A. Warren
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic ChemistryDepartment of Life SciencesTechnische Universität BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | | | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
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17
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Mann F, Szczerbowski D, de Silva L, McClure M, Elias M, Schulz S. 3-Acetoxy-fatty acid isoprenyl esters from androconia of the ithomiine butterfly Ithomia salapia. Beilstein J Org Chem 2020; 16:2776-2787. [PMID: 33281981 PMCID: PMC7684689 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.16.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Male ithomiine butterflies (Nymphalidae: Danainae) have hairpencils on the forewings (i.e., androconia) that disseminate semiochemicals during courtship. While most ithomiines are known to contain derivatives of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, dihydropyrrolizines, or γ-lactones in these androconia, here we report on a new class of fatty acid esters identified in two subspecies, Ithomia salapia aquinia and I. s. derasa. The major components were identified as isoprenyl (3-methyl-3-butenyl) (Z)-3-acetoxy-11-octadecenoate, isoprenyl (Z)-3-acetoxy-13-octadecenoate (12) and isoprenyl 3-acetoxyoctadecanoate (11) by GC/MS and GC/IR analyses, microderivatizations, and synthesis of representative compounds. The absolute configuration of 12 was determined to be R. The two subspecies differed not only in the composition of the ester bouquet, but also in the composition of more volatile androconial constituents. While some individuals of I. s. aquinia contained ithomiolide A (3), a pyrrolizidine alkaloid derived γ-lactone, I. s. derasa carried the sesquiterpene α-elemol (8) in the androconia. These differences might be important for the reproductive isolation of the two subspecies, in line with previously reported low gene exchange between the two species in regions where they co-occur. Furthermore, the occurrence of positional isomers of unsaturated fatty acid derivatives indicates activity of two different desaturases within these butterflies, Δ9 and Δ11, which has not been reported before in male Lepidoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Mann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lisa de Silva
- Institut de Systématique Evolution Biodiversité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MNHN, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 45 rue Buffon, CP 50, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Melanie McClure
- Institut de Systématique Evolution Biodiversité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MNHN, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 45 rue Buffon, CP 50, 75005 Paris, France.,Laboratoire Écologie, Évolution, Interactions des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA), Université de Guyane, CNRS, IFREMER, 97300 Cayenne, France
| | - Marianne Elias
- Institut de Systématique Evolution Biodiversité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, MNHN, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 45 rue Buffon, CP 50, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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18
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van Schooten B, Meléndez-Rosa J, Van Belleghem SM, Jiggins CD, Tan JD, McMillan WO, Papa R. Divergence of chemosensing during the early stages of speciation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:16438-16447. [PMID: 32601213 PMCID: PMC7371972 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921318117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemosensory communication is essential to insect biology, playing indispensable roles during mate-finding, foraging, and oviposition behaviors. These traits are particularly important during speciation, where chemical perception may serve to establish species barriers. However, identifying genes associated with such complex behavioral traits remains a significant challenge. Through a combination of transcriptomic and genomic approaches, we characterize the genetic architecture of chemoperception and the role of chemosensing during speciation for a young species pair of Heliconius butterflies, Heliconius melpomene and Heliconius cydno We provide a detailed description of chemosensory gene-expression profiles as they relate to sensory tissue (antennae, legs, and mouthparts), sex (male and female), and life stage (unmated and mated female butterflies). Our results untangle the potential role of chemical communication in establishing barriers during speciation and identify strong candidate genes for mate and host plant choice behaviors. Of the 252 chemosensory genes, HmOBP20 (involved in volatile detection) and HmGr56 (a putative synephrine-related receptor) emerge as strong candidates for divergence in pheromone detection and host plant discrimination, respectively. These two genes are not physically linked to wing-color pattern loci or other genomic regions associated with visual mate preference. Altogether, our results provide evidence for chemosensory divergence between H. melpomene and H. cydno, two rarely hybridizing butterflies with distinct mate and host plant preferences, a finding that supports a polygenic architecture of species boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas van Schooten
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925;
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution, Balboa Ancón, 0843-03092 Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Jesyka Meléndez-Rosa
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925;
| | - Steven M Van Belleghem
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925
| | - Chris D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, CB2 8PQ Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - W Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution, Balboa Ancón, 0843-03092 Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Riccardo Papa
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925;
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution, Balboa Ancón, 0843-03092 Panama, Republic of Panama
- Molecular Sciences and Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
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19
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González-Rojas MF, Darragh K, Robles J, Linares M, Schulz S, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C. Chemical signals act as the main reproductive barrier between sister and mimetic Heliconius butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200587. [PMID: 32370676 PMCID: PMC7282924 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Colour pattern is the main trait that drives mate recognition between Heliconius species that are phylogenetically close. However, when this cue is compromised such as in cases of mimetic, sympatric and closely related species, alternative mating signals must evolve to ensure reproductive isolation and species integrity. The closely related species Heliconius melpomene malleti and H. timareta florencia occur in the same geographical region, and despite being co-mimics, they display strong reproductive isolation. In order to test which cues differ between species, and potentially contribute to reproductive isolation, we quantified differences in the wing phenotype and the male chemical profile. As expected, the wing colour pattern was indistinguishable between the two species, while the chemical profile of the androconial and genital males' extracts showed marked differences. We then conducted behavioural experiments to study the importance of these signals in mate recognition by females. In agreement with our previous results, we found that chemical blends and not wing colour pattern drive the preference of females for conspecific males. Also, experiments with hybrid males and females suggested an important genetic component for both chemical production and preference. Altogether, these results suggest that chemicals are the major reproductive barrier opposing gene flow between these two sister and co-mimic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F González-Rojas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - K Darragh
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - J Robles
- Department of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
| | - M Linares
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - S Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - C D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - C Pardo-Diaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - C Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
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20
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Darragh K, Montejo‐Kovacevich G, Kozak KM, Morrison CR, Figueiredo CME, Ready JS, Salazar C, Linares M, Byers KJRP, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. Species specificity and intraspecific variation in the chemical profiles of Heliconius butterflies across a large geographic range. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:3895-3918. [PMID: 32489619 PMCID: PMC7244815 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In many animals, mate choice is important for the maintenance of reproductive isolation between species. Traits important for mate choice and behavioral isolation are predicted to be under strong stabilizing selection within species; however, such traits can also exhibit variation at the population level driven by neutral and adaptive evolutionary processes. Here, we describe patterns of divergence among androconial and genital chemical profiles at inter- and intraspecific levels in mimetic Heliconius butterflies. Most variation in chemical bouquets was found between species, but there were also quantitative differences at the population level. We found a strong correlation between interspecific chemical and genetic divergence, but this correlation varied in intraspecific comparisons. We identified "indicator" compounds characteristic of particular species that included compounds already known to elicit a behavioral response, suggesting an approach for identification of candidate compounds for future behavioral studies in novel systems. Overall, the strong signal of species identity suggests a role for these compounds in species recognition, but with additional potentially neutral variation at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | | | | | - Colin R. Morrison
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTXUSA
| | | | - Jonathan S. Ready
- Institute for Biological SciencesUniversidade Federal do ParáBelémBrazil
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology ProgramFaculty of Natural Sciences and MathematicsUniversidad del RosarioBogotaColombia
| | - Mauricio Linares
- Biology ProgramFaculty of Natural Sciences and MathematicsUniversidad del RosarioBogotaColombia
| | - Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyFaculty of BiologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic ChemistryTechnische Universität BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
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21
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de Oliveira Borges E, Bonfantti D, de Oliveira Ribeiro CA, Zarbin PHG. Structures related to pheromone storage in alar androconia and the female abdominal scent gland of Heliconius erato phyllis, Heliconius ethilla narcaea, and Heliconius besckei (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae). J Morphol 2020; 281:388-401. [PMID: 32003491 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We describe the morphology of alar androconia and the female abdominal scent gland of Heliconius erato phyllis, Heliconius ethilla narcaea, and Heliconius besckei. Androconial scales of Heliconius, which are arranged in overlapping wing bands, release pheromones during courtship, probably through vibratory movements of male wings over the female to induce her to mate. An antiaphrodisiac is produced by glands located in the valves of the male and is transferred during copulation to the yellow dorsal abdominal sac present in the virgin female, causing this sac to emit a scent that reduces the attractiveness of the female for courtship with other males. Stereomicroscopy, SEM, and TEM analyses were conducted to describe the morphology of the internal and external scales and the external abdominal scent sac. The findings revealed different sizes of external androconial scales and an internal group of porous structural vesicles that are probably related to the preservation of internal space, reception and storage of secretions, and elimination of volatiles when the male is actively involved in courtship. Translucent projections on the female abdominal scent sac create open reservoirs for the reception, storage, and emission of antiaphrodisiac volatiles along with stink clubs. Male valve denticles vary in form and probably attach securely to the female sac during mating, thus ensuring secretion transfer. These features are discussed in the context of a comparative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane de Oliveira Borges
- Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.,Laboratório de Semioquímicos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Dayana Bonfantti
- Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ciro A de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Paulo H G Zarbin
- Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Entomologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.,Laboratório de Semioquímicos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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22
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Pinheiro de Castro ÉC, Demirtas R, Orteu A, Olsen CE, Motawie MS, Zikan Cardoso M, Zagrobelny M, Bak S. The dynamics of cyanide defences in the life cycle of an aposematic butterfly: Biosynthesis versus sequestration. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 116:103259. [PMID: 31698083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Heliconius butterflies are highly specialized in Passiflora plants, laying eggs and feeding as larvae only on them. Interestingly, both Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora plants contain cyanogenic glucosides (CNglcs). While feeding on specific Passiflora species, Heliconius melpomene larvae are able to sequester simple cyclopentenyl CNglcs, the most common CNglcs in this plant genus. Yet, aromatic, aliphatic, and modified CNglcs have been reported in Passiflora species and they were never tested for sequestration by heliconiine larvae. As other cyanogenic lepidopterans, H. melpomene also biosynthesize the aliphatic CNglcs linamarin and lotaustralin, and their toxicity does not rely exclusively on sequestration. Although the genes encoding the enzymes in the CNglc biosynthesis have not yet been biochemically characterized in butterflies, the cytochromes P450 CYP405A4, CYP405A5, CYP405A6 and CYP332A1 have been hypothesized to be involved in this pathway in H. melpomene. In this study, we determine how the CNglc composition and expression of the putative P450s involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds vary at different developmental stages of Heliconius butterflies. We also establish which kind of CNglcs H. melpomene larvae can sequester from Passiflora. By analysing the chemical composition of the haemolymph from larvae fed with different Passiflora diets, we show that H. melpomene is able to sequestered prunasin, an aromatic CNglcs, from P. platyloba. They are also able to sequester amygdalin, gynocardin, [C13/C14]linamarin and [C13/C14]lotaustralin painted on the plant leaves. The CNglc tetraphyllin B-sulphate from P. caerulea is not detected in the larval haemolymph, suggesting that such modified CNglcs cannot be sequestered by Heliconius. Although pupae and virgin adults contain dihydrogynocardin resulting from larval sequestration, this compound was metabolized during adulthood, and not used as nuptial gift or transferred to the offspring. Thus, we speculate that dihydrogynocardin is catabolized to recycle nitrogen and glucose, and/or to produce fitness signals during courtship. Mature adults have a higher concentration of CNglcs than any other developmental stages due to increased de novo biosynthesis of linamarin and lotaustralin. Accordingly, all CYP405As are expressed in adults, whereas larvae mostly express CYP405A4. Our results shed light on the importance of CNglcs for Heliconius biology and their coevolution with Passiflora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érika C Pinheiro de Castro
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Zoology, Cambridge University. Downing Street, CB3 3EJ, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rojan Demirtas
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Anna Orteu
- Department of Zoology, Cambridge University. Downing Street, CB3 3EJ, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carl Erik Olsen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Mohammed Saddik Motawie
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Márcio Zikan Cardoso
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, 59078-900, Brazil
| | - Mika Zagrobelny
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Søren Bak
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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23
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Montejo‐Kovacevich G, Smith JE, Meier JI, Bacquet CN, Whiltshire‐Romero E, Nadeau NJ, Jiggins CD. Altitude and life-history shape the evolution of Heliconius wings. Evolution 2019; 73:2436-2450. [PMID: 31631338 PMCID: PMC6916360 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic divergence between closely related species has long interested biologists. Taxa that inhabit a range of environments and have diverse natural histories can help understand how selection drives phenotypic divergence. In butterflies, wing color patterns have been extensively studied but diversity in wing shape and size is less well understood. Here, we assess the relative importance of phylogenetic relatedness, natural history, and habitat on shaping wing morphology in a large dataset of over 3500 individuals, representing 13 Heliconius species from across the Neotropics. We find that both larval and adult behavioral ecology correlate with patterns of wing sexual dimorphism and adult size. Species with solitary larvae have larger adult males, in contrast to gregarious Heliconius species, and indeed most Lepidoptera, where females are larger. Species in the pupal-mating clade are smaller than those in the adult-mating clade. Interestingly, we find that high-altitude species tend to have rounder wings and, in one of the two major Heliconius clades, are also bigger than their lowland relatives. Furthermore, within two widespread species, we find that high-altitude populations also have rounder wings. Thus, we reveal novel adaptive wing morphological divergence among Heliconius species beyond that imposed by natural selection on aposematic wing coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joana I. Meier
- St John's CollegeUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 1TP
| | | | | | - Nicola J. Nadeau
- Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldS10 2TNUK
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24
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Mozuraitis R, Murtazina R, Zurita J, Pei Y, Ilag L, Wiklund C, Karlson AKB. Anti-aphrodisiac pheromone, a renewable signal in adult butterflies. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14262. [PMID: 31582781 PMCID: PMC6776535 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The male butterfly Pieris napi produces the anti-aphrodisiac pheromone methyl salicylate (MeS) and transfers it to the female during mating. After mating she releases MeS, when courted by conspecific males, which decreases her attractiveness and the duration of male harassment, thus increasing her time available for egg-laying. In previous studies we have shown that males produced MeS from the amino acid L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) acquired during larval stage. In this study we show that adult males of P. napi can utilize L-Phe and aromatic flower volatiles as building blocks for production of anti-aphrodisiac pheromone and transfer it to females during mating. We demonstrate this by feeding butterflies with stable isotope labelled molecules mixed in sugar solutions, and, to mimic the natural conditions, we fed male butterflies with floral nectar of Bunias orientalis plants treated with labelled L-Phe. The volatiles from butterflies and plants were collected and identified by solid phase micro extraction, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Since P. napi is polygamous, males would gain from restoring the titre of MeS after mating and the use of aromatic precursors for production of MeS could be considered as an advantageous trait which could enable butterflies to relocate L-Phe for other needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondas Mozuraitis
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Laboratory of Chemical and Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Rushana Murtazina
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Javier Zurita
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuxin Pei
- Northwest A&F University, Department of Applied Chemistry, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Leopold Ilag
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Wiklund
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Karin Borg Karlson
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Technology, Tartu University, Tartu, 50411, Estonia
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25
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Darragh K, Byers KJRP, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. Male pheromone composition depends on larval but not adult diet in Heliconius melpomene. ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 44:397-405. [PMID: 31217661 PMCID: PMC6563479 DOI: 10.1111/een.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
1. Condition-dependent traits can act as honest signals of mate quality, with fitter individuals being able to display preferred phenotypes. Nutrition is known to be an important determinant of individual condition, with diet known to affect many secondary sexual traits. 2. In Heliconius butterflies, male chemical signalling plays an important role in female mate choice. Potential male sex pheromone components have been identified previously, although it is unclear what information they convey to the female. 3. In the present study, the effect of diet on androconial and genital compound production is tested in male Heliconius melpomene rosina. To manipulate larval diet, larvae are reared on three different Passiflora host plants: Passiflora menispermifolia, the preferred host plant, Passiflora vitifolia and Passiflora platyloba. To manipulate adult diet, adult butterflies are reared with and without access to pollen, a key component of their diet. 4. No evidence is found to suggest that adult pollen consumption affects compound production in the first 10 days after eclosion. There is also a strong overlap in the chemical profiles of individuals reared on different larval host plants. The most abundant compounds produced by the butterflies do not differ between host plant groups. However, some compounds found in small amounts differ both qualitatively and quantitatively. Some of these compounds are predicted to be of plant origin and the others synthesised by the butterfly. Further electrophysiological and behavioural experiments will be needed to determine the biological significance of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeU.K.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
| | - Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeU.K.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunichGermany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Organic ChemistryTechnische Universität BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeU.K.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
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26
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Fortin M, Debenest C, Souty‐Grosset C, Richard F. Males prefer virgin females, even if parasitized, in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3341-3353. [PMID: 29607029 PMCID: PMC5869267 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In many species, males increase their reproductive success by choosing high-quality females. In natural populations, they interact with both virgin and mated females, which can store sperm in their spermatheca. Therefore, males elaborate strategies to avoid sperm competition. In the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare, females can store sperm and produce several clutches. Moreover, this species can be parasitized by Wolbachia, which feminizes genetic males, transforming them into functional females. Our study compared attractiveness and mate choice when a male is exposed to both virgin and experienced females (i.e., females who have produced offspring and rested for 6 months), with or without Wolbachia. Our results revealed that males are more attracted to virgin females than experienced females, even if these virgin females are parasitized. Moreover, the chemical analysis highlighted different odors in females according to their reproductive and infection (Wolbachia-free or vertically Wolbachia-infected) status. Males attempted copulation more frequently and for longer with virgin females, even if Wolbachia-infected, while experienced females refused further copulation. The evolutionary consequences of both male choice and female resistance on their fitness are discussed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Fortin
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des InteractionsEquipe “Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose”Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267PoitiersFrance
| | - Catherine Debenest
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des InteractionsEquipe “Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose”Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267PoitiersFrance
| | - Catherine Souty‐Grosset
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des InteractionsEquipe “Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose”Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267PoitiersFrance
| | - Freddie‐Jeanne Richard
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des InteractionsEquipe “Ecologie, Evolution, Symbiose”Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267PoitiersFrance
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27
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Rossato DO, Boligon D, Fornel R, Kronforst MR, Gonçalves GL, Moreira GRP. Subtle variation in size and shape of the whole forewing and the red band among co-mimics revealed by geometric morphometric analysis in Heliconius butterflies. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3280-3295. [PMID: 29607024 PMCID: PMC5869215 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Heliconius are unpalatable butterflies that exhibit remarkable intra- and interspecific variation in wing color pattern, specifically warning coloration. Species that have converged on the same pattern are often clustered in Müllerian mimicry rings. Overall, wing color patterns are nearly identical among co-mimics. However, fine-scale differences exist, indicating that factors in addition to natural selection may underlie wing phenotype. Here, we investigate differences in shape and size of the forewing and the red band in the Heliconius postman mimicry ring (H. erato phyllis and the co-mimics H. besckei, H. melpomene burchelli, and H. melpomene nanna) using a landmark-based approach. If phenotypic evolution is driven entirely by predation pressure, we expect nonsignificant differences among co-mimics in terms of wing shape. Also, a reinforcement of wing pattern (i.e., greater similarity) could occur when co-mimics are in sympatry. We also examined variation in the red forewing band because this trait is critical for both mimicry and sexual communication. Morphometric results revealed significant but small differences among species, particularly in the shape of the forewing of co-mimics. Although we did not observe greater similarity when co-mimics were in sympatry, nearly identical patterns provided evidence of convergence for mimicry. In contrast, mimetic pairs could be distinguished based on the shape (but not the size) of the red band, suggesting an "advergence" process. In addition, sexual dimorphism in the red band shape (but not size) was found for all lineages. Thus, we infer that natural selection due to predation by birds might not be the only mechanism responsible for variation in color patterns, and sexual selection could be an important driver of wing phenotypic evolution in this mimicry ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirleane O Rossato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Danessa Boligon
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões Erechim Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Fornel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões Erechim Brazil
| | - Marcus R Kronforst
- Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Chicago Chicago MI USA
| | - Gislene L Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil.,Departamento de Recursos Ambientales Facultad de Ciencias Agronomicas Universidad de Tarapacá Arica Chile
| | - Gilson R P Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
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28
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Thurman TJ, Brodie E, Evans E, McMillan WO. Facultative pupal mating in Heliconius erato: Implications for mate choice, female preference, and speciation. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1882-1889. [PMID: 29435261 PMCID: PMC5792586 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mating systems have broad impacts on how sexual selection and mate choice operate within a species, but studies of mating behavior in the laboratory may not reflect how these processes occur in the wild. Here, we examined the mating behavior of the neotropical butterfly Heliconius erato in the field by releasing larvae and virgin females and observing how they mated. H. erato is considered a pupal-mating species (i.e., males mate with females as they emerge from the pupal case). However, we observed only two teneral mating events, and experimentally released virgins were almost all mated upon recapture. Our study confirms the presence of some pupal-mating behavior in H. erato, but suggests that adult mating is likely the prevalent mating strategy in this species. These findings have important implications for the role of color pattern and female mate choice in the generation of reproductive isolation in this diverse genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Thurman
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityRepublic of Panama
- Department of Biology and Redpath MuseumMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
| | - Emily Brodie
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityRepublic of Panama
- Department of Environmental Science and PolicyUniversity of California‐Davis, One Shields AveDavisCA 95616
| | - Elizabeth Evans
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityRepublic of Panama
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Puerto Rico, Rio PedrasSan JuanPuerto Rico
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29
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Ediriweera MK, Tennekoon KH, Samarakoon SR. A Review on Ethnopharmacological Applications, Pharmacological Activities, and Bioactive Compounds of Mangifera indica (Mango). EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2017; 2017:6949835. [PMID: 29456572 PMCID: PMC5804368 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6949835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mangifera indica (family Anacardiaceae), commonly known as mango, is a pharmacologically, ethnomedically, and phytochemically diverse plant. Various parts of M. indica tree have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of different ailments, and a number of bioactive phytochemical constituents of M. indica have been reported, namely, polyphenols, terpenes, sterols, carotenoids, vitamins, and amino acids, and so forth. Several studies have proven the pharmacological potential of different parts of mango trees such as leaves, bark, fruit peel and flesh, roots, and flowers as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antiplasmodial, and antihyperlipemic. In the present review, a comprehensive study on ethnopharmacological applications, pharmacological activities, and bioactive compounds of M. indica has been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meran Keshawa Ediriweera
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 90 Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
| | - Kamani Hemamala Tennekoon
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 90 Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
| | - Sameera Ranganath Samarakoon
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 90 Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
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30
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Darragh K, Vanjari S, Mann F, Gonzalez-Rojas MF, Morrison CR, Salazar C, Pardo-Diaz C, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. Male sex pheromone components in Heliconius butterflies released by the androconia affect female choice. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3953. [PMID: 29134139 PMCID: PMC5680698 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific pheromones are known to play an important role in butterfly courtship, and may influence both individual reproductive success and reproductive isolation between species. Extensive ecological, behavioural and genetic studies of Heliconius butterflies have made a substantial contribution to our understanding of speciation. Male pheromones, although long suspected to play an important role, have received relatively little attention in this genus. Here, we combine morphological, chemical and behavioural analyses of male pheromones in the Neotropical butterfly Heliconius melpomene. First, we identify putative androconia that are specialized brush-like scales that lie within the shiny grey region of the male hindwing. We then describe putative male sex pheromone compounds, which are largely confined to the androconial region of the hindwing of mature males, but are absent in immature males and females. Finally, behavioural choice experiments reveal that females of H. melpomene, H. erato and H. timareta strongly discriminate against conspecific males which have their androconial region experimentally blocked. As well as demonstrating the importance of chemical signalling for female mate choice in Heliconius butterflies, the results describe structures involved in release of the pheromone and a list of potential male sex pheromone compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
| | - Sohini Vanjari
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
| | - Florian Mann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maria F. Gonzalez-Rojas
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Colin R. Morrison
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
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31
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Cooperband MF, Cossé AA, Jones TH, Carrillo D, Cleary K, Canlas I, Stouthamer R. Pheromones of three ambrosia beetles in the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex: ratios and preferences. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3957. [PMID: 29085754 PMCID: PMC5657418 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Three cryptic species in the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex were reared in laboratory colonies and investigated for the presence of pheromones. Collections of volatiles from combinations of diet, fungus, beetles, and galleries from polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp. #1) revealed the presence of 2-heneicosanone and 2-tricosanone only in the presence of beetles, regardless of sex. Subsequent examination of volatiles from the other two species, tea shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp. #2) and Kuroshio shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp. #5), revealed these two ketones were present in all three species but in different ratios. In dual choice olfactometer behavioral bioassays, mature mated females were strongly attracted to a synthetic binary blend of ketones matching their own natural ratios. However, females in each species were repelled by ketone blends in ratios corresponding to the other two species. Males of each species responded similarly to females when presented with ratios matching their own or the other two species. The presence of these compounds in the three beetle species, in ratios unique to each species, and their strong species-specific attraction and repellency, suggests they are pheromones. The ecological function of these pheromones is discussed. In addition to the pheromones, the previously known attractant (1S,4R)-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (also known as quercivorol) was discovered in the presence of the fungal symbionts, but not in association with the beetles. Quercivorol was tested in a dual-choice olfactometer and was strongly attractive to all three species. This evidence suggests quercivorol functions as a kairomone for members of the E. fornicatus species complex, likely produced by the symbiotic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam F. Cooperband
- Otis Laboratory, APHIS-PPQ-S&T, United States Department of Agriculture, Buzzards Bay, MA, United States of America
| | - Allard A. Cossé
- Otis Laboratory, APHIS-PPQ-S&T, United States Department of Agriculture, Buzzards Bay, MA, United States of America
- Former address: Agricultural Research Service—NCAUR, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, IL, United States of America
| | - Tappey H. Jones
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA, United States of America
| | - Daniel Carrillo
- Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin Cleary
- Otis Laboratory, APHIS-PPQ-S&T, United States Department of Agriculture, Buzzards Bay, MA, United States of America
| | - Isaiah Canlas
- Otis Laboratory, APHIS-PPQ-S&T, United States Department of Agriculture, Buzzards Bay, MA, United States of America
| | - Richard Stouthamer
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
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32
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Schulz S, Peram PS, Menke M, Hötling S, Röpke R, Melnik K, Poth D, Mann F, Henrichsen S, Dreyer K. Mass Spectrometry of Aliphatic Macrolides, Important Semiochemicals or Pheromones. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2017; 80:2572-2582. [PMID: 28836773 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Macrolides are a relatively common structural motif prevalent in Nature. However, the structures of these large ring lactones have been relatively difficult to elucidate via NMR spectroscopy due to the minute amounts of compounds that are sometimes obtainable from natural sources. Thus, GC-MS analysis of individual macrolactones has become the method of choice for the structural identification of these compounds. Here we discuss the mass spectrometric behavior of aliphatic macrolides, evaluating spectra from numerous compounds of various ring size, including derivatives containing methyl branches as well as double bonds. The specific fragmentation of these macrolactones under electron impact conditions allows for the development of a general rule set aimed at the identification of similar compounds by mass spectrometry. In addition, the mass spectra of dimethyl disulfide adducts of unsaturated macrolides are discussed. The mass spectra of almost 50 macrolides are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Pardha Saradhi Peram
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Menke
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susann Hötling
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rene Röpke
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kristina Melnik
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dennis Poth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Florian Mann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Selma Henrichsen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Katja Dreyer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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33
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Mann F, Vanjari S, Rosser N, Mann S, Dasmahapatra KK, Corbin C, Linares M, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Jiggins C, Schulz S. The Scent Chemistry of Heliconius Wing Androconia. J Chem Ecol 2017; 43:843-857. [PMID: 28791540 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-017-0867-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neotropical Heliconius butterflies are members of various mimicry rings characterized by diverse colour patterns. In the present study we investigated whether a similar diversity is observed in the chemistry of volatile compounds present in male wing androconia. Recent research has shown that these androconia are used during courting of females. Three to five wild-caught male Heliconius individuals of 17 species and subspecies were analyzed by GC/MS. Most of the identified compounds originate from common fatty acids precursors, including aldehydes, alcohols, acetates or esters preferentially with a C18 and C20 chain, together with some alkanes. The compounds occurred in species-specific mixtures or signatures. For example, octadecanal is characteristic for H. melpomene, but variation in composition between the individuals was observed. Cluster analysis of compound occurrence in individual bouquets and analyses based on biosynthetic motifs such as functional group, chain length, or basic carbon-backbone modification were used to reveal structural patterns. Mimetic pairs contain different scent bouquets, but also some compounds in common, whereas sympatric species, both mimetic and non-mimetic, have more distinct compound compositions. The compounds identified here may play a role in mate choice thus helping maintain species integrity in a butterfly genus characterized by pervasive interspecific gene flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Mann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sohini Vanjari
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Neil Rosser
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sandra Mann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kanchon K Dasmahapatra
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Chris Corbin
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Mauricio Linares
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Cra. 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá D.C., 111221, Colombia
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Cra. 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá D.C., 111221, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Cra. 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá D.C., 111221, Colombia
| | - Chris Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
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34
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Abstract
Passive mechanisms of mate guarding are used by males to promote sperm precedence with little cost, but these tactics can be disadvantageous for their mates and other males. Mated females of the plant bug Lygus hesperus are rendered temporarily unattractive by seminal fluids containing myristyl acetate and geranylgeranyl acetate. These antiaphrodisiac pheromones are gradually released from the female's gonopore, declining until they no longer suppress male courtship. Because starting quantities of these compounds can vary widely, the repellant signal becomes less reliable over time. Evidence was found of a complimentary mechanism that more accurately conveys female mating status. Once inside the female, geranylgeranyl acetate is progressively converted to geranylgeraniol then externalized. Geranylgeraniol counteracts the antiaphrodisiac effect despite having no inherent attractant properties of its own. This is the first evidence for such an anti-antiaphrodisiac pheromone, adding a new element to the communication mechanisms regulating reproductive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin S Brent
- Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Maricopa, United States
| | - John A Byers
- Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Maricopa, United States.,Department of Entomology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Anat Levi-Zada
- Department of Entomology-Chemistry Unit, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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35
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McCulloch KJ, Yuan F, Zhen Y, Aardema ML, Smith G, Llorente-Bousquets J, Andolfatto P, Briscoe AD. Sexual Dimorphism and Retinal Mosaic Diversification following the Evolution of a Violet Receptor in Butterflies. Mol Biol Evol 2017; 34:2271-2284. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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36
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Arias M, Meichanetzoglou A, Elias M, Rosser N, de-Silva DL, Nay B, Llaurens V. Variation in cyanogenic compounds concentration within a Heliconius butterfly community: does mimicry explain everything? BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:272. [PMID: 27978820 PMCID: PMC5160018 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0843-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aposematic species advertise their unpalatability using warning signals such as striking coloration. Given that predators need to sample aposematic prey to learn that they are unprofitable, prey with similar warning signals share the cost of predator learning. This reduction in predation risk drives evolutionary convergence of warning signals among chemically defended prey (Müllerian mimicry). Whether such warning signal convergence is associated to similar defence levels among co-mimics is still an open question that has rarely been tested in wild populations. We quantified variation in cyanide-based (CN) chemical protection in wild caught individuals of eight aposematic Heliconius butterfly species belonging to four sympatric mimicry rings. We then tested for correlations between chemical protection and ecological species-specific traits. Results We report significant differences in CN concentrations both within and between sympatric species, even when accounting for the phylogeny, and within and between mimicry rings, even after considering inter-specific variation. We found significant correlations between CN concentration and both hostplant specialization and gregarious behaviour in adults and larvae. However, differences in CN concentrations were not significantly linked to mimicry ring abundance, although the two most toxic species did belong to the rarest mimicry ring. Conclusions Our results suggest that mimicry can explain the variation in the levels of chemical defence to a certain extent, although other ecological factors are also relevant to the evolution of such variability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0843-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Arias
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 MNHN-CNRS-EPHE-UPMC- Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Bâtiment d'entomologie, CP050, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Aimilia Meichanetzoglou
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 MNHN-CNRS-EPHE-UPMC- Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Bâtiment d'entomologie, CP050, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France.,Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, UMR 7245 MNHN-CNRS, Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle and CNRS, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 54, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Elias
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 MNHN-CNRS-EPHE-UPMC- Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Bâtiment d'entomologie, CP050, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Neil Rosser
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Donna Lisa de-Silva
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 MNHN-CNRS-EPHE-UPMC- Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Bâtiment d'entomologie, CP050, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Bastien Nay
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, UMR 7245 MNHN-CNRS, Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle and CNRS, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 54, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Violaine Llaurens
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 MNHN-CNRS-EPHE-UPMC- Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Bâtiment d'entomologie, CP050, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
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37
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Malouines C. Counter-perfume: using pheromones to prevent female remating. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1570-1581. [PMID: 27554169 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Strong selection to secure paternity in polyandrous species leads to the evolution of numerous chemicals in the male's seminal content. These include antiaphrodisiac pheromones, which are transmitted from the male to the female during mating to render her unattractive to subsequent males. An increasing number of species have been shown to use these chemicals. Herein, I examine the taxonomic distribution of species using antiaphrodisiac pheromones, the selection pressures driving their evolution in both males and females, and the ecological interactions in which these pheromones are involved. The literature review shows a highly skewed distribution of antiaphrodisiac use; all species currently known to use them are insects with the exception of the garter snakes Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis and T. radix. Nonetheless, many taxa have not yet been tested for the presence of antiaphrodisiacs, in groups both closely and distantly related to species known to express them. Within the Insecta, there have been multiple cases of convergent evolution of antiaphrodisiac pheromones using different chemical compounds and methods of transmission. Antiaphrodisiacs usually benefit males, but their effect on females is variable as they can either prevent them from mating multiple times or help them reduce male harassment when they are unreceptive. Some indirect costs of antiaphrodisiacs also impact both males and females, but more research is needed to determine how general this pattern is. Additional research is also important to understand how antiaphrodisiacs interact with the reproductive biology and sexual communication in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Malouines
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, U.S.A
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38
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Drosophila melanogaster females restore their attractiveness after mating by removing male anti-aphrodisiac pheromones. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12322. [PMID: 27484362 PMCID: PMC4976142 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Males from many species ensure paternity by preventing their mates from copulating with other males. One mate-guarding strategy involves marking females with anti-aphrodisiac pheromones (AAPs), which reduces the females' attractiveness and dissuades other males from courting. Since females benefit from polyandry, sexual conflict theory predicts that females should develop mechanisms to counteract AAPs to achieve additional copulations, but no such mechanisms have been documented. Here we show that during copulation Drosophila melanogaster males transfer two AAPs: cis-Vaccenyl Acetate (cVA) to the females' reproductive tract, and 7-Tricosene (7-T) to the females' cuticle. A few hours after copulation, females actively eject cVA from their reproductive tract, which results in increased attractiveness and re-mating. Although 7-T remains on those females, we show that it is the combination of the two chemicals that reduces attractiveness. To our knowledge, female AAP ejection provides the first example of a female mechanism that counter-acts chemical mate-guarding. Male pheromones cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA) and (Z)-7-Tricosene (7-T) mediate chemical mate-guarding in female D. melanogaster. Here, Laturney and Billeter show that females actively eject cVA from their reproductive tract post-copulation, and that cVA in concert with 7-T can reduce female attractiveness post-mating.
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39
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Male Pheromones Influence the Mating Behavior of Echinothrips americanus. J Chem Ecol 2016; 42:294-9. [PMID: 27008648 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-016-0685-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Two dibasic esters, the dimethyl ester of hexanedioic acid (dimethyl adipate, DBE-6) and the dimethyl ester of pentanedioic acid (dimethyl glutarate, DBE-5) were found in head-thorax extracts of male Echinothrips americanus. DBE-5 induced abdomen wagging and raising in males and females, which is typically exhibited when encountering a male. DBE-6 was avoided by males and was detected on mated, but not on virgin, females. Both substances applied to virgin females lead to females being ignored by males. The role of both substances is discussed with regard to the male mating system.
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40
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41
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The functional basis of wing patterning in Heliconius butterflies: the molecules behind mimicry. Genetics 2016; 200:1-19. [PMID: 25953905 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.114.172387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wing-pattern mimicry in butterflies has provided an important example of adaptation since Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace proposed evolution by natural selection >150 years ago. The neotropical butterfly genus Heliconius played a central role in the development of mimicry theory and has since been studied extensively in the context of ecology and population biology, behavior, and mimicry genetics. Heliconius species are notable for their diverse color patterns, and previous crossing experiments revealed that much of this variation is controlled by a small number of large-effect, Mendelian switch loci. Recent comparative analyses have shown that the same switch loci control wing-pattern diversity throughout the genus, and a number of these have now been positionally cloned. Using a combination of comparative genetic mapping, association tests, and gene expression analyses, variation in red wing patterning throughout Heliconius has been traced back to the action of the transcription factor optix. Similarly, the signaling ligand WntA has been shown to control variation in melanin patterning across Heliconius and other butterflies. Our understanding of the molecular basis of Heliconius mimicry is now providing important insights into a variety of additional evolutionary phenomena, including the origin of supergenes, the interplay between constraint and evolvability, the genetic basis of convergence, the potential for introgression to facilitate adaptation, the mechanisms of hybrid speciation in animals, and the process of ecological speciation.
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42
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Mérot C, Frérot B, Leppik E, Joron M. Beyond magic traits: Multimodal mating cues in Heliconius butterflies. Evolution 2015; 69:2891-904. [PMID: 26513426 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Species coexistence involves the evolution of reproductive barriers opposing gene flow. Heliconius butterflies display colorful patterns affecting mate choice and survival through warning signaling and mimicry. These patterns are called "magic traits" for speciation because divergent natural selection may promote mimicry shifts in pattern whose role as mating cue facilitates reproductive isolation. By contrast, between comimetic species, natural selection promotes pattern convergence. We addressed whether visual convergence interferes with reproductive isolation by testing for sexual isolation between two closely related species with similar patterns, H. timareta thelxinoe and H. melpomene amaryllis. Experiments with models confirmed visual attraction based on wing phenotype, leading to indiscriminate approach. Nevertheless, mate choice experiments showed assortative mating. Monitoring male behavior toward live females revealed asymmetry in male preference, H. melpomene males courting both species equally while H. timareta males strongly preferred conspecifics. Experiments with hybrid males suggested an important genetic component for such asymmetry. Behavioral observations support a key role for short-distance cues in determining male choice in H. timareta. Scents extracts from wings and genitalia revealed interspecific divergence in chemical signatures, and hybrid female scent composition was significantly associated with courtship intensity by H. timareta males, providing candidate chemical mating cues involved in sexual isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mérot
- ISYEB UMR 7205, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 45 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Brigitte Frérot
- IEES UMR 1392, INRA, Route de St Cyr, 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Ene Leppik
- IEES UMR 1392, INRA, Route de St Cyr, 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Mathieu Joron
- ISYEB UMR 7205, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 45 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.,UMR 5175, CNRS-Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, 1919 route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier, France
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43
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Abstract
A wide variety of organisms communicate via the chemical channel using small molecules. A structural feature quite often found is the lactone motif. In the present paper, the current knowledge on such lactones will be described, concentrating on the structure, chemistry, function, biosynthesis and synthesis of these compounds. Lactone semiochemicals from insects, vertebrates and bacteria, which this article will focus on, are particularly well investigated. In addition, some ideas on the advantageous use of lactones as volatile signals, which promoted their evolutionary development, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
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44
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Merrill RM, Dasmahapatra KK, Davey JW, Dell'Aglio DD, Hanly JJ, Huber B, Jiggins CD, Joron M, Kozak KM, Llaurens V, Martin SH, Montgomery SH, Morris J, Nadeau NJ, Pinharanda AL, Rosser N, Thompson MJ, Vanjari S, Wallbank RWR, Yu Q. The diversification of Heliconius butterflies: what have we learned in 150 years? J Evol Biol 2015; 28:1417-38. [PMID: 26079599 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Research into Heliconius butterflies has made a significant contribution to evolutionary biology. Here, we review our understanding of the diversification of these butterflies, covering recent advances and a vast foundation of earlier work. Whereas no single group of organisms can be sufficient for understanding life's diversity, after years of intensive study, research into Heliconius has addressed a wide variety of evolutionary questions. We first discuss evidence for widespread gene flow between Heliconius species and what this reveals about the nature of species. We then address the evolution and diversity of warning patterns, both as the target of selection and with respect to their underlying genetic basis. The identification of major genes involved in mimetic shifts, and homology at these loci between distantly related taxa, has revealed a surprising predictability in the genetic basis of evolution. In the final sections, we consider the evolution of warning patterns, and Heliconius diversity more generally, within a broader context of ecological and sexual selection. We consider how different traits and modes of selection can interact and influence the evolution of reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | | | - J W Davey
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D D Dell'Aglio
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J J Hanly
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - B Huber
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.,Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - C D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - M Joron
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama.,Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.,Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, Montpellier 5, France
| | - K M Kozak
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - V Llaurens
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - S H Martin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - S H Montgomery
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Morris
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - N J Nadeau
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - A L Pinharanda
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - N Rosser
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - M J Thompson
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - S Vanjari
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R W R Wallbank
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Q Yu
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Shapingba District, Chongqing, China
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45
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Peso M, Elgar MA, Barron AB. Pheromonal control: reconciling physiological mechanism with signalling theory. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 90:542-59. [PMID: 24925630 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pheromones are intraspecific chemical signals. They can have profound effects on the behaviour and/or physiology of the receiver, and it is still common to hear pheromones described as controlling of the behaviour of the receiver. The discussion of pheromonal control arose initially from a close association between hormones and pheromones in the comparative physiological literature, but the concept of a controlling pheromone is at odds with contemporary signal evolution theory, which predicts that a manipulative pheromonal signal negatively affecting the receiver's fitness should not be stable over evolutionary time. Here we discuss the meaning of pheromonal control, and the ecological circumstances by which it might be supported. We argue that in discussing pheromonal control it is important to differentiate between control applied to the effects of a pheromone on a receiver's physiology (proximate control), and control applied to the effects of a pheromone on a receiver's fitness (ultimate control). Critically, a pheromone signal affecting change in the receiver's behaviour or physiology need not necessarily manipulate the fitness of a receiver. In cases where pheromonal signalling does lead to a reduction in the fitness of the receiver, the signalling system would be stable if the pheromone were an honest signal of a social environment that disadvantages the receiver, and the physiological and behavioural changes observed in the receiver were an adaptive response to the new social circumstances communicated by the pheromone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Peso
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Building E8A, Eastern Road, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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46
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47
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Wang HL, Brattström O, Brakefield PM, Francke W, Löfstedt C. Identification and biosynthesis of novel male specific esters in the wings of the tropical butterfly, Bicyclus martius sanaos. J Chem Ecol 2014; 40:549-59. [PMID: 24894159 PMCID: PMC4090810 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-014-0452-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Representatives of the highly speciose tropical butterfly genus Bicyclus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) are characterized by morphological differences in the male androconia, a set of scales and hair pencils located on the surface of the wings. These androconia are assumed to be associated with the release of courtship pheromones. In the present study, we report the identification and biosynthetic pathways of several novel esters from the wings of male B. martius sanaos. We found that the volatile compounds in this male butterfly were similar to female-produced moth sex pheromones. Components associated with the male wing androconial areas were identified as ethyl, isobutyl and 2-phenylethyl hexadecanoates and (11Z)-11-hexadecenoates, among which the latter are novel natural products. By topical application of deuterium-labelled fatty acid and amino acid precursors, we found these pheromone candidates to be produced in patches located on the forewings of the males. Deuterium labels from hexadecanoic acid were incorporated into (11Z)-11-hexadecenoic acid, providing experimental evidence of a Δ11-desaturase being active in butterflies. This unusual desaturase was found previously to be involved in the biosynthesis of female-produced sex pheromones of moths. In the male butterflies, both hexadecanoic acid and (11Z)-11-hexadecenoic acid were then enzymatically esterified to form the ethyl, isobutyl and 2-phenylethyl esters, incorporating ethanol, isobutanol, and 2-phenylethanol, derived from the corresponding amino acids L-alanine, L-valine, and L-phenylalanine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Lei Wang
- Department of Biology, Lund University, 223 62, Lund, Sweden,
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48
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Sex pheromone biosynthetic pathways are conserved between moths and the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3957. [PMID: 24862548 PMCID: PMC4050330 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although phylogenetically nested within the moths, butterflies have diverged extensively in a number of life history traits. Whereas moths rely greatly on chemical signals, visual advertisement is the hallmark of mate finding in butterflies. In the context of courtship, however, male chemical signals are widespread in both groups although they likely have multiple evolutionary origins. Here, we report that in males of the butterfly Bicyclus anynana, courtship scents are produced de novo via biosynthetic pathways shared with females of many moth species. We show that two of the pheromone components that play a major role in mate choice, namely the (Z)-9-tetradecenol and hexadecanal, are produced through the activity of a fatty acyl Δ11-desaturase and two specialized alcohol-forming fatty acyl reductases. Our study provides the first evidence of conservation and sharing of ancestral genetic modules for the production of FA-derived pheromones over a long evolutionary timeframe thereby reconciling mate communication in moths and butterflies. Little is known about the evolutionary origins of the genes involved in butterfly pheromone synthesis. Here, Liénard et al. show that the biosynthetic pathways involved in the production of male courtship scents of the butterfly, Bicyclus anynana, are shared with females of many moth species.
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49
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Mowles SL, King BH, Linforth RST, Hardy ICW. A female-emitted pheromone component is associated with reduced male courtship in the parasitoid wasp Spalangia endius. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82010. [PMID: 24278468 PMCID: PMC3835669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During courtship interactions, the courted individual may not always be prepared to mate. For example, mating or courtship may be detrimental to its fitness and resistance is expected under these circumstances. As such, various resistance strategies have evolved, from physically fending off courting individuals to producing behavioural signals of unreceptivity. In the parasitoid wasp Spalangia endius, females rarely re-mate and mated females are avoided by males in favour of virgin females. Further, mated females appear to advertise their mating status by the release of a pheromone component (methyl 6-methylsalicylate), but direct evidence of the nature of this release is lacking. Here we used real-time chemical analysis to track the emission of the pheromone component during courtship interactions between virgin males and either virgin or mated females. We found that females actively release methyl 6-methylsalicylate when courted and that significantly greater concentrations are released by previously mated females. Further, high concentrations of this component are associated with both the prevention and termination of courtship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L. Mowles
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Bethia H. King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Robert S. T. Linforth
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Ian C. W. Hardy
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
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Pizzari T, Gardner A. The sociobiology of sex: inclusive fitness consequences of inter-sexual interactions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2012; 367:2314-23. [PMID: 22777019 PMCID: PMC3391422 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity of social interactions between sexual partners has long captivated biologists, and its evolution has been interpreted largely in terms of 'direct fitness' pay-offs to partners and their descendants. Inter-sexual interactions also have 'indirect effects' by affecting the fitness of relatives, with important consequences for inclusive fitness. However, inclusive fitness arguments have received limited consideration in this context, and definitions of 'direct' and 'indirect' fitness effects in this field are often inconsistent with those of inclusive fitness theory. Here, we use a sociobiology approach based on inclusive fitness theory to distinguish between direct and indirect fitness effects. We first consider direct effects: we review how competition leads to sexual conflict, and discuss the conditions under which repression of competition fosters sexual mutualism. We then clarify indirect effects, and show that greenbeard effects, kin recognition and population viscosity can all lead to episodes of indirect selection on sexual interactions creating potential for sexual altruism and spite. We argue that the integration of direct and indirect fitness effects within a sociobiology approach enables us to consider a more diverse spectrum of evolutionary outcomes of sexual interactions, and may help resolving current debates over sexual selection and sexual conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Pizzari
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
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