The genetics of seasonal polyphenism and the evolution of 'general purpose genotypes' in butterflies.

Abstract

Examines the reactions of butterfly wing patterns to environmental factors, asking whether patterns which seem to be adaptive are evolutionarily related to those which do not. Seasonal and geographical patterns of variation are described for a number of species groups, and convergence in seasonal phenotypes is examined. Results of experimental genetics are discussed concerning the Tatochila sterodice group and the Vanessa 'elymi' series.-P.J.Jarvis