THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PGI LOCUS AND THE ABILITY TO FLY AT LOW-TEMPERATURES IN THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY DANAUS-PLEXIPPUS

Differences in genetic structure of samples of monarch butterflies cau ght at different times of day have been reported previously. This pape r compares differences in allele and heterozygote frequencies at the P gi locus between animals flying early and those flying late in outdoor flight cages and between animals able and animals unable to fly at a constant low temperature. There were consistent effects across a numbe r of tests and in comparisons with field data, especially in males. An imals with the M allele were more likely to be able to fly at low temp eratures, to become active early in outdoor flight cages, and to be ca ught early in the field. Also, differences were observed between males and females in the effect of allele on flight activity.