Homologies in the colour patterns of the genus Heliconius (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Journal Article (Journal Article)
The colour patterns of Heliconius butterflies are composed from a relatively simple set of pattern elements whose homologues are recognizable throughout the genus. Although Heliconius colour patterns look quite different from those of most nymphalids, these pattern elements are seen to derive from the generalized nymphalid groundplan. The differences arise primarily from the loss or positional shift of certain pattern elements, a high degree of fusion between individual pattern elements, and, in the forewing, asymmetries of the pattern elements relative to the wingâcell midline. The scheme of homologies we present is consistent with what is currently known about the comparative morphology and developmental physiology of colour pattern formation in Lepidoptera, and provides a framework for the interpretation of developmental, evolutionary and genetic studies in Heliconius. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- NIJHOUT, HF; WRAY, GA
Published Date
- January 1, 1988
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 33 / 4
Start / End Page
- 345 - 365
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1095-8312
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0024-4066
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1988.tb00449.x
Citation Source
- Scopus