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Predator selection on phenotypic variability of cryptic and aposematic moths

Author

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  • Ossi Nokelainen

    (Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikki Biocenter 3, P.O. Box 65
    Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35
    Open Science Centre, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35)

  • Sanni A. Silvasti

    (Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35
    School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University)

  • Sharon Y. Strauss

    (Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California at Davis, 2320 Storer Hall, One Shields Avenue
    Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstrasse 19)

  • Niklas Wahlberg

    (Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62)

  • Johanna Mappes

    (Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikki Biocenter 3, P.O. Box 65
    Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstrasse 19)

Abstract

Natural selection generally favours phenotypic variability in camouflaged organisms, whereas aposematic organisms are expected to evolve a more uniform warning coloration. However, no comprehensive analysis of the phenotypic consequences of predator selection in aposematic and cryptic species exists. Using state-of-the-art image analysis, we examine 2800 wing images of 82 moth species accessed via three online museum databases. We test whether anti-predator strategy (i.e., camouflage or aposematism) explains intraspecific variation in wing colour and pattern across northern hemisphere moths. In addition, we test two mutually non-exclusive, ecological hypotheses to explain variation in colour pattern: diel-activity or dietary-niche. In this work, taking into account phylogenetic relationships, moth phenotypic variability is best explained by anti-predator strategy with camouflaged moths being more variable in wing patterning than aposematic species.

Suggested Citation

  • Ossi Nokelainen & Sanni A. Silvasti & Sharon Y. Strauss & Niklas Wahlberg & Johanna Mappes, 2024. "Predator selection on phenotypic variability of cryptic and aposematic moths," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-45329-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45329-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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