Comparative and experimental wing pattern genomics in Lepidoptera

Understanding colouration and its variation between species, especially in Lepidoptera, has fascinated scientists since the dawn of natural history. In this project, we want to compare two genera that pursue different ecological strategies to protect themselves from predators with the help of their wing patterns. Hyles butterflies aim at camouflage, while Zygaena have an aposematic colouration that warns predators of their toxicity. By comparing the genomic basis of wing patterns in two moth genera, we place our analyses in an evolutionary context within the Lepidoptera and compare the differences in the effect of different selective pressures on wing patterns. Climate change will affect environmental gradients, which is expected to lead to changes in the distribution of wing patterns caused by adaptive hybridisation.

Müller's mimicry leads to a convergence of wing patterns in Zygaena, and it is expected that the genetic make-up of wing patterns will also converge within the genus. To understand the genetic background of wing patterns, we will perform genome-wide association studies that will allow us to find associations between genotype and phenotype of traits. In this context, machine learning will be used to delineate evolutionarily significant units and extract phenotypic traits. In addition, breeding experiments are carried out under different controlled temperature conditions and the results are compared with the climate data of the collection site to understand the effects of phenotypic plasticity on the development of wing patterns of individuals. This novel use of natural history collections through automated image analysis in combination with genomic data from historical collections and fresh specimens will advance integrative taxonomic research on museum specimens.