Butterfly Wing Patterns and Mimicry

Lepidopteran is an order of insects, which includes butterflies and moths. Insects of this order have unique color patterns on their wings. Butterfly wing patterns have identities that can be traced from species to species and typically across genera and families. The evolution and diversification of butterflies can be studied based on homologies among pattern elements and identities. Individuated patterns among the butterflies have emerged from non-individuated precursors that become developmentally autonomous for color pattern formation. This process involves the compartmentalization of the wing areas that in turn leads to the creation of color patterns characterized by repeated elements and emergence of serial homology. Various researches have studied the similarities in the vivid wing patterns of various butterflies and moth species. They have also observed that these patterns usually change rapidly in accordance with the mimicry theory. This theory deals with the organisms which develop a phenotypic similarity to another organism for selective benefits. This theory upholds that phenotypic similarity evolves due to natural selection. Different evaluations and advanced studies on wing patterns and mimicry have been included in this book. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.