Independent development of homologous pattern elements in the wing patterns of butterflies.

Rank correlation analyses demonstrate that the degree of color pattern development in each wing cell of Cercyonis pegala (Satyridae) and Smyrna blomfildia (Nymphalidae) is either weakly or not at all correlated with that in other wing cells. There is much greater individual variability in pattern development in different wing cells than there is in homologous wing cells on opposite wings. This finding indicates that differences in pattern development in adjacent wing cells are not due to developmental noise, but are programmed, and that pattern development in each wing cell is in large measure independent of that in other wing cells.

Duke Scholars

Author H. Frederik Nijhout Biology