Hybrid butterfly
2006/06/16 Rementeria Argote, Nagore - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa
Heliconius heurippa is a Colombian endemic butterfly. As can be seen in the image above, on the wings there are remains of two colors: red and yellowish. The photos below show Heliconius cydno (yellowish print) and Heliconius melpomene (red print) of the same genus.
So seen, H. heurippa seems like a combination of the lower two, doesn't it? Well, indeed, that is. H. heurippa is a hybrid of two other butterflies, according to Panama researchers.
For the demonstration, the species H. cydno and H. melpomene grew together in the laboratory and, after three generations, butterflies were born very similar to those of H. heurippa. These butterflies were genetically compared to H. heurippa and were largely equal. To be completely convinced that they will have to do more tests, but for the moment, at least, it is almost certain that H. heurippa is a species created by hybridization.
Hybridization causes this species to have the two markings of the wings. And it is not a baladí question, because the model of the wings has a great importance in the butterflies. Among other things, it focuses on this model of choice of players. The hybrids they have raised in the laboratory preferred, optionally, those of the same member. And that seems essential when the species H. heurippa arose in nature.
Photo: M. M. Linares.
