• Corpus ID: 11601055

Host-plant-derived variation in ultraviolet wing patterns influences mate selection by male butterflies.

@article{Knttel2001HostplantderivedVI,
  title={Host-plant-derived variation in ultraviolet wing patterns influences mate selection by male butterflies.},
  author={Helge Kn{\"u}ttel and Konrad Fiedler},
  journal={The Journal of experimental biology},
  year={2001},
  volume={204 Pt 14},
  pages={
          2447-59
        }
}
We report on the first case in which sequestered secondary plant compounds determine an insect's external appearance in the ultraviolet spectrum and thereby influence visually mediated mate choice. Larvae of the common blue butterfly Polyommatus icarus specifically sequester flavonoids in different amounts and types, depending on the part or species of food plant. During late pupal development the majority of ultraviolet-absorbing flavonoids are deposited in the wing scales. The flavonoid… 
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