PATTERN-FORMATION IN COLOR ON BUTTERFLY WINGS

Butterflies have uniquely vivid and varied wing-colour patterns. Recen t studies show that their formation involves novel expression of homol ogues of Drosophila appendage-patterning genes, notably Distal-less. P attern diversity can arise al several developmental stages, either thr ough mutation or in response to environmental conditions. Many loci ar e known (e.g. in Heliconius) that have major effects on the colour pat tern and these invite molecular analysis.