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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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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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3
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Hausmann AE, Freire M, Alfthan SA, Kuo CY, Linares M, McMillan O, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Merrill RM. Does sexual conflict contribute to the evolution of novel warning patterns? J Evol Biol 2023; 36:563-578. [PMID: 36702779 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Why warning patterns are so diverse is an enduring evolutionary puzzle. Because predators associate particular patterns with unpleasant experiences, an individual's predation risk should decrease as the local density of its warning pattern increases, promoting pattern monomorphism. Distasteful Heliconius butterflies are known for their diversity of warning patterns. Here, we explore whether interlocus sexual conflict can contribute to their diversification. Male Heliconius use warning patterns as mating cues, but mated females may suffer costs if this leads to disturbance, favouring novel patterns. Using simulations, we show that under our model conditions drift alone is unlikely to cause pattern diversification, but that sexual conflict can assist such a process. We also find that genetic architecture influences the evolution of male preferences, which track changes in warning pattern due to sexual selection. When male attraction imposes costs on females, this affects the speed at which novel pattern alleles increase. In two experiments, females laid fewer eggs with males present. However, although males in one experiment showed less interest in females with manipulated patterns, we found no evidence that female colouration mitigates sex-specific costs. Overall, male attraction to conspecific warning patterns may impose an unrecognized cost on Heliconius females, but further work is required to determine this experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Hausmann
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Marília Freire
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Sara A Alfthan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Chi-Yun Kuo
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Mauricio Linares
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
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4
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White TE, Latty T, Umbers KDL. The exploitation of sexual signals by predators: a meta-analysis. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220444. [PMID: 35642366 PMCID: PMC9156902 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual signals are often central to reproduction, and their expression is thought to strike a balance between advertising to mates and avoiding detection by predatory eavesdroppers. Tests of the predicted predation costs have produced mixed results, however. Here we synthesized 187 effects from 78 experimental studies in a meta-analytic test of two questions; namely, whether predators, parasites and parasitoids express preferences for the sexual signals of prey, and whether sexual signals increase realized predation risk in the wild. We found that predators and parasitoids express strong and consistent preferences for signals in forced-choice contexts. We found a similarly strong overall increase in predation on sexual signallers in the wild, though here it was modality specific. Olfactory and acoustic signals increased the incidence of eavesdropping relative to visual signals, which experienced no greater risk than controls on average. Variation in outcome measures was universally high, suggesting that contexts in which sexual signalling may incur no cost, or even reduce the incidence of predation, are common. Our results reveal unexpected complexity in a central viability cost to sexual signalling, while also speaking to applied problems in invasion biology and pest management where signal exploitation holds promise for bio-inspired solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. White
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2106, Australia
| | - Tanya Latty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2106, Australia
| | - Kate D. L. Umbers
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales 2751, Australia,Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia
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5
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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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6
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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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7
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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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8
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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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9
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Picone M, Distefano GG, Marchetto D, Russo M, Vecchiato M, Gambaro A, Barbante C, Ghirardini AV. Fragrance materials (FMs) affect the larval development of the copepod Acartia tonsa: An emerging issue for marine ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112146. [PMID: 33744517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fragrance materials (FMs) are used in a variety of detergents and cosmetics, including household and personal care products. Despite their widespread use and the growing evidence of their occurrence in surface waters worldwide, very little is known about their toxicity towards marine species, including a key component of the marine food webs such as copepods. Thus, we investigated the toxicity of six of the more long-lasting and stable commercial fragrances, including Amyl Salicylate (AMY), Oranger Crystals (ORA), Hexyl Salicylate (HEX), Ambrofix (AMB), Peonile (PEO), and Benzyl Salicylate (BZS), to assess their ability to impair the larval development of the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa. FMs inhibited the development of A. tonsa significantly at concentrations by far lower than the effect-concentrations reported in the literature for aquatic species. The more toxic FMs were HEX (EC50 = 57 ng L-1), AMY (EC50 = 131 ng L-1) and ORA (EC50 = 766 ng L-1), while the other three compounds exerted toxic effects at concentrations higher than 1000 ng L-1 (LOEC at 1000 ng L-1 for PEO and BZS, and at 10,000 ng L-1 for AMB). Early life-stage mortality was unaffected by FMs at all the tested concentrations. A comparison with water concentrations of FMs reported in the literature confirmed that FMs, especially HEX and AMY, may act as contaminants of potential concern in many aquatic habitats, including urban areas and remote and polar environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Picone
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giuseppe Distefano
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Davide Marchetto
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Martina Russo
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Marco Vecchiato
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences - National Research Council (ISP-CNR), via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences - National Research Council (ISP-CNR), via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Carlo Barbante
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy; Institute of Polar Sciences - National Research Council (ISP-CNR), via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, I-30170 Mestre, Venezia, Italy
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10
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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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11
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Specialized androconial scales conceal species-specific semiochemicals of sympatric sulphur butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Coliadinae). ORG DIVERS EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-020-00475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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12
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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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13
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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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14
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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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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Schausberger P, Sato Y. Parental effects of male alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) on ARTs of haploid sons. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Schausberger
- Sugadaira Research Station, Mountain Science Center University of Tsukuba Ueda Japan
- Department of Behavioural Biology University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Yukie Sato
- Sugadaira Research Station, Mountain Science Center University of Tsukuba Ueda Japan
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18
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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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19
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Woelke JB, Fursov VN, Gumovsky AV, de Rijk M, Estrada C, Verbaarschot P, Huigens ME, Fatouros NE. Description and biology of two new egg parasitoid species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) reared from eggs of Heliconiini butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae) in Panama. J NAT HIST 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2019.1606360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jozef B. Woelke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen University & Research, Bleiswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Viktor N. Fursov
- Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Alex V. Gumovsky
- Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Marjolein de Rijk
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Education Support Centre, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Verbaarschot
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Biosystematics group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martinus E. Huigens
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Education Institute, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nina E. Fatouros
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Biosystematics group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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20
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Southcott L, Kronforst MR. Female mate choice is a reproductive isolating barrier in Heliconius butterflies. Ethology 2018; 124:862-869. [PMID: 31024190 PMCID: PMC6475913 DOI: 10.1111/eth.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, speciation involves the evolution of reproductive isolating mechanisms that decrease gene flow. Premating reproductive isolation, often the result of mate choice, is a major obstacle to gene flow between species because it acts earlier in the life cycle than other isolating barriers. While female choice is often considered the default mode in animal species, research in the butterfly genus Heliconius, a frequent subject of speciation studies, has focused on male mate choice. We studied mate choice by H. cydno females by pairing them with either conspecific males or males of the closely related species H. pachinus. Significantly more intraspecific trials than interspecific trials resulted in mating. Because male courtship rates did not differ between the species when we excluded males that never courted, we attribute this difference to female choice. Females also performed more acceptance behaviours towards conspecific males. Premating isolation between these two species thus entails both male and female mate choice, and female choice may be an important factor in the origin of Heliconius species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Southcott
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama
| | - Marcus R Kronforst
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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21
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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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22
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Mérot C, Salazar C, Merrill RM, Jiggins CD, Joron M. What shapes the continuum of reproductive isolation? Lessons from Heliconius butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.0335. [PMID: 28592669 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The process by which species evolve can be illuminated by investigating barriers that limit gene flow between taxa. Recent radiations, such as Heliconius butterflies, offer the opportunity to compare isolation between pairs of taxa at different stages of ecological, geographical, and phylogenetic divergence. Here, we report a comparative analysis of existing and novel data in order to quantify the strength and direction of isolating barriers within a well-studied clade of Heliconius Our results highlight that increased divergence is associated with the accumulation of stronger and more numerous barriers to gene flow. Wing pattern is both under natural selection for Müllerian mimicry and involved in mate choice, and therefore underlies several isolating barriers. However, pairs which share a similar wing pattern also display strong reproductive isolation mediated by traits other than wing pattern. This suggests that, while wing pattern is a key factor for early stages of divergence, it may become facultative at later stages of divergence. Additional factors including habitat partitioning, hybrid sterility, and chemically mediated mate choice are associated with complete speciation. Therefore, although most previous work has emphasized the role of wing pattern, our comparative results highlight that speciation is a multi-dimensional process, whose completion is stabilized by many factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mérot
- ISYEB UMR 7205, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 45 rue Buffon, Paris, France .,IBIS, Université Laval, 1030 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, Canada
| | - C Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera, 24 No 63C-69, Bogota D.C., 111221, Colombia
| | - R M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, MRC 0580-12, Unit 9100 Box 0948, DPO AA 34002-9998, Panama
| | - C D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, MRC 0580-12, Unit 9100 Box 0948, DPO AA 34002-9998, Panama
| | - M Joron
- ISYEB UMR 7205, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 45 rue Buffon, Paris, France .,Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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23
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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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24
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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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25
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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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26
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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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27
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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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28
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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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29
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Da XW, Zhang R, Chen GL, Ren QM, Lin YF, Du B. Why Do Males ofParnassius imperatorFight for Bare Rocks but Not the Nectar Flower During Mate Selection? Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Wei Da
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Guo-Liang Chen
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Qing-Miao Ren
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Yi-Fan Lin
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
| | - Bo Du
- School of Life Sciences; Lanzhou University; Lanzhou City Gansu Province China
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30
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van Schooten B, Jiggins CD, Briscoe AD, Papa R. Genome-wide analysis of ionotropic receptors provides insight into their evolution in Heliconius butterflies. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:254. [PMID: 27004525 PMCID: PMC4804616 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2572-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a world of chemical cues, smell and taste are essential senses for survival. Here we focused on Heliconius, a diverse group of butterflies that exhibit variation in pre- and post-zygotic isolation and chemically-mediated behaviors across their phylogeny. Our study examined the ionotropic receptors, a recently discovered class of receptors that are some of the most ancient chemical receptors. RESULTS We found more ionotropic receptors in Heliconius (31) than in Bombyx mori (25) or in Danaus plexippus (27). Sixteen genes in Lepidoptera were not present in Diptera. Only IR7d4 was exclusively found in butterflies and two expansions of IR60a were exclusive to Heliconius. A genome-wide comparison between 11 Heliconius species revealed instances of pseudogenization, gene gain, and signatures of positive selection across the phylogeny. IR60a2b and IR60a2d are unique to the H. melpomene, H. cydno, and H. timareta clade, a group where chemosensing is likely involved in pre-zygotic isolation. IR60a2b also displayed copy number variations (CNVs) in distinct populations of H. melpomene and was the only gene significantly higher expressed in legs and mouthparts than in antennae, which suggests a gustatory function. dN/dS analysis suggests more frequent positive selection in some intronless IR genes and in particular in the sara/sapho and melpomene/cydno/timareta clades. IR60a1 was the only gene with an elevated dN/dS along a major phylogenetic branch associated with pupal mating. Only IR93a was differentially expressed between sexes. CONCLUSIONS All together these data make Heliconius butterflies one of the very few insects outside Drosophila where IRs have been characterized in detail. Our work outlines a dynamic pattern of IR gene evolution throughout the Heliconius radiation which could be the result of selective pressure to find potential mates or host-plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas van Schooten
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Chris D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adriana D Briscoe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Riccardo Papa
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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31
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Bacquet PMB, Brattström O, Wang HL, Allen CE, Löfstedt C, Brakefield PM, Nieberding CM. Selection on male sex pheromone composition contributes to butterfly reproductive isolation. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 282:20142734. [PMID: 25740889 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.2734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Selection can facilitate diversification by inducing character displacement in mate choice traits that reduce the probability of maladaptive mating between lineages. Although reproductive character displacement (RCD) has been demonstrated in two-taxa case studies, the frequency of this process in nature is still debated. Moreover, studies have focused primarily on visual and acoustic traits, despite the fact that chemical communication is probably the most common means of species recognition. Here, we showed in a large, mostly sympatric, butterfly genus, a strong pattern of recurrent RCD for predicted male sex pheromone composition, but not for visual mate choice traits. Our results suggest that RCD is not anecdotal, and that selection for divergence in male sex pheromone composition contributed to reproductive isolation within the Bicyclus genus. We propose that selection may target olfactory mate choice traits as a more common sensory modality to ensure reproductive isolation among diverging lineages than previously envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M B Bacquet
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - O Brattström
- Department of Zoology, University Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - H-L Wang
- Department of Biology, Pheromone Group, Lund University, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - C E Allen
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - C Löfstedt
- Department of Biology, Pheromone Group, Lund University, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - P M Brakefield
- Department of Zoology, University Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - C M Nieberding
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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32
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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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33
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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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34
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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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35
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Finkbeiner SD, Briscoe AD, Reed RD. Warning signals are seductive: relative contributions of color and pattern to predator avoidance and mate attraction in Heliconius butterflies. Evolution 2014; 68:3410-20. [PMID: 25200939 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Visual signaling in animals can serve many uses, including predator deterrence and mate attraction. In many cases, signals used to advertise unprofitability to predators are also used for intraspecific communication. Although aposematism and mate choice are significant forces driving the evolution of many animal phenotypes, the interplay between relevant visual signals remains little explored. Here, we address this question in the aposematic passion-vine butterfly Heliconius erato by using color- and pattern-manipulated models to test the contributions of different visual features to both mate choice and warning coloration. We found that the relative effectiveness of a model at escaping predation was correlated with its effectiveness at inducing mating behavior, and in both cases wing color was more predictive of presumptive fitness benefits than wing pattern. Overall, however, a combination of the natural (local) color and pattern was most successful for both predator deterrence and mate attraction. By exploring the relative contributions of color versus pattern composition in predation and mate preference studies, we have shown how both natural and sexual selection may work in parallel to drive the evolution of specific animal color patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Finkbeiner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, 0843-03092, Panama.
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36
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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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37
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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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Pheromone evolution and sexual behavior in Drosophila are shaped by male sensory exploitation of other males. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:3056-61. [PMID: 24516141 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1313615111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals exhibit a spectacular array of traits to attract mates. Understanding the evolutionary origins of sexual features and preferences is a fundamental problem in evolutionary biology, and the mechanisms remain highly controversial. In some species, females choose mates based on direct benefits conferred by the male to the female and her offspring. Thus, female preferences are thought to originate and coevolve with male traits. In contrast, sensory exploitation occurs when expression of a male trait takes advantage of preexisting sensory biases in females. Here, we document in Drosophila a previously unidentified example of sensory exploitation of males by other males through the use of the sex pheromone CH503. We use mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and behavioral analysis to demonstrate that an antiaphrodisiac produced by males of the melanogaster subgroup also is effective in distant Drosophila relatives that do not express the pheromone. We further show that species that produce the pheromone have become less sensitive to the compound, illustrating that sensory adaptation occurs after sensory exploitation. Our findings provide a mechanism for the origin of a sex pheromone and show that sensory exploitation changes male sexual behavior over evolutionary time.
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Sánchez V, Cordero C. Sexual coevolution of spermatophore envelopes and female genital traits in butterflies: Evidence of male coercion? PeerJ 2014; 2:e247. [PMID: 24498577 PMCID: PMC3912446 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Signa are sclerotized structures located on the inner wall of the corpus bursa of female Lepidoptera whose main function is tearing open spermatophores. The sexually antagonistic coevolution (SAC) hypothesis proposes that the thickness of spermatophore envelopes has driven the evolution of the females signa; this idea is based in the fact that in many lepidopterans female sexual receptivity is at least partially controlled by the volume of ejaculate remaining in the corpus bursa. According to the SAC hypothesis, males evolved thick spermatophore envelopes to delay the post-mating recovery of female sexual receptivity thus reducing sperm competition; in response, females evolved signa for breaking spermatophore envelopes faster, gaining access to the resources contained in them and reducing their intermating intervals; the evolution of signa, in turn, favored the evolution of even thicker spermatophore envelopes, and so on. We tested two predictions of the SAC hypothesis with comparative data on the thickness of spermatophore envelopes of eleven species of Heliconiinae butterflies. The first prediction is that the spermatophore envelopes of polyandrous species with signa will be thicker than those of monandrous species without signa. In agreement with this prediction, we found that the spermatophore envelopes of a polyandrous Heliconius species with signa are thicker than those of two monandrous Heliconius species without signa. The second prediction is that in some species with signa males could enforce monandry in females by evolving “very thick” spermatophore envelopes, in these species we predict that their spermatophore envelopes will be thicker than those of their closer polyandrous relatives with signa. In agreement with this prediction, we found that in two out of three comparisons, spermatophore envelopes of monandrous species with signa have thicker spermatophore envelopes than their closer polyandrous relatives with signa. Thus, our results support the idea that selective pressures arising from sexually antagonistic interactions have been important in the evolution of spermatophore envelopes, female signa and female mating patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Sánchez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , México , Distrito Federal , Mexico
| | - Carlos Cordero
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Distrito Federal , Mexico
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Westerman EL, Monteiro A. Odour influences whether females learn to prefer or to avoid wing patterns of male butterflies. Anim Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zagrobelny M, Motawia MS, Olsen CE, Bak S, Møller BL. Male-to-female transfer of 5-hydroxytryptophan glucoside during mating in Zygaena filipendulae (Lepidoptera). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 43:1037-1044. [PMID: 24012995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Zygaena filipendulae accumulates the cyanogenic glucosides linamarin and lotaustralin by larval sequestration from the food plant or de novo biosynthesis. We have previously demonstrated that the Z. filipendulae male transfers linamarin and lotaustralin to the female in the course of mating. In this study we report the additional transfer of 5-hydroxytryptophan glucoside (5-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-L-Tryptophan) from the Z. filipendulae male internal genitalia to the female spermatophore around 5 h into the mating process. 5-Hydroxytryptophan glucoside is present in the virgin male internal genitalia, and production continues during the early phase of mating. Following initiation of 5-hydroxytryptophan glucoside transfer to the female, the amount in male internal genitalia is drastically reduced until after mating where it is slowly replenished. For unambiguous structural identification, 5-hydroxytryptophan glucoside was chemically synthesized and used as an authentic standard. The biological function of 5-hydroxytryptophan glucoside remains to be established, although we have indications that it may be involved in inducing the female to stay in copula and delay egg-laying to prevent re-mating of the female. To our knowledge 5-hydroxytryptophan glucoside has not previously been reported present in animal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Zagrobelny
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 40 Thorvaldsensvej, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark; Villum Research Center "Plant Plasticity", Denmark.
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Kvarnemo C, Simmons LW. Polyandry as a mediator of sexual selection before and after mating. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20120042. [PMID: 23339234 PMCID: PMC3576577 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The Darwin–Bateman paradigm recognizes competition among males for access to multiple mates as the main driver of sexual selection. Increasingly, however, females are also being found to benefit from multiple mating so that polyandry can generate competition among females for access to multiple males, and impose sexual selection on female traits that influence their mating success. Polyandry can reduce a male's ability to monopolize females, and thus weaken male focused sexual selection. Perhaps the most important effect of polyandry on males arises because of sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Polyandry favours increased male ejaculate expenditure that can affect sexual selection on males by reducing their potential reproductive rate. Moreover, sexual selection after mating can ameliorate or exaggerate sexual selection before mating. Currently, estimates of sexual selection intensity rely heavily on measures of male mating success, but polyandry now raises serious questions over the validity of such approaches. Future work must take into account both pre- and post-copulatory episodes of selection. A change in focus from the products of sexual selection expected in males, to less obvious traits in females, such as sensory perception, is likely to reveal a greater role of sexual selection in female evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta Kvarnemo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Learning individual signatures: rove beetle males discriminate unreceptive females by cuticular hydrocarbon patterns. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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