Identification of doublesex alleles associated with the female-limited Batesian mimicry polymorphism in Papilio memnon

Sci Rep. 2016 Oct 6:6:34782. doi: 10.1038/srep34782.

Abstract

The female-limited Batesian mimicry polymorphism in Papilio butterflies is an intriguing system for investigating the mechanism of maintenance of genetic polymorphisms. In Papilio polytes, an autosomal region encompassing the sex-determinant gene doublesex controls female-limited mimicry polymorphism. In the closely related species P. memnon, which also exhibits female-limited Batesian mimicry polymorphism, we identified two allelic sequences of the doublesex gene that corresponded exactly with the mimetic and non-mimetic female phenotypes. Thus, the genetic basis of the mimicry polymorphism in P. memnon is similar to that in P. polytes. However, the mimetic and non-mimetic alleles of the two species were not identical, and the divergence of alleles occurred independently in P. memnon and P. polytes. Different mutation-selection processes may have resulted in the convergent patterns of mimicry polymorphism in these Papilio butterflies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Biological Mimicry / genetics*
  • Butterflies / genetics*
  • Butterflies / physiology
  • Exons
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Insect Proteins / genetics*
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Taiwan
  • Wings, Animal / physiology

Substances

  • Insect Proteins