Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
William Casey, Steven E. Massey, Bud Mishra
Summary: Mimicry is observed at various scales, with 'Batesian' and 'Mullerian' types representing different conflicts and common interests between sender and receiver. Studies suggest that invasion by Batesian mimics may destabilize Mullerian mimicry. Additionally, mimicry is not limited to the biological realm, but can also be found in human society.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Stano Pekar, Martin J. Whiting, Marie E. Herberstein
Summary: Many prey species use multiple defense strategies during interactions with predators, which can provide advantages against different types of predators. This study examined the defensive traits of five mimics and one non-mimetic species in the myrmecomorphic golden mimicry complex. Predatory trials were conducted using two predators with different characteristics. The results showed that multiple defenses were used against each predator, with some defenses being more effective against specific predators.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Donald James McLean, Marie E. Herberstein
Summary: The study suggests that information limitation may be a general principle behind imperfect mimicry of complex traits, while interactions between components of mimicry are unlikely to provide a general explanation for imperfect mimicry.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Hugh D. D. Loxdale
Summary: Some colourful European wild birds display contrasting bright colours, which may serve as aposematic warning colouration to predators. These birds may have chemical noxious substances in their flesh and/or feathers, enhancing their warning signals. This warning colouration could be Mullerian or Batesian in nature or a ruse to deter predators.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
David W. Kikuchi, Marie E. Herberstein, Michael Barfield, Robert D. Holt, Johanna Mappes
Summary: Warning signals are a striking example of natural selection present in almost every ecological community, but they remain relatively scarce compared to the total prey available. They are thought to be governed by positive density-dependent selection, where they succeed better when more common. Factors influencing the prevalence of warning signals in prey assemblages include prey defenses, predator behavior, numerical responses of predators, diversity of alternative prey and mimics, and variability in ecological circumstances.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaumudi H. Prabhakara, Seppe Kuehn
Summary: Microbial community assembly is a complex process that determines community structure and function. This study investigated how external nutrient supply rate influenced interactions and therefore community assembly. The presence of algae strongly influenced community assembly, leading to convergence of initially diverse bacterial consortia. This study highlights the importance of understanding assembly processes in complex phototroph-heterotroph communities for global ecosystem functioning.
Article
Biology
Dee M. Ruttenberg, Nicholas W. VanKuren, Sumitha Nallu, Shen-Horn Yen, Djunijanti Peggie, David J. Lohman, Marcus R. Kronforst
Summary: Sexual dimorphism is a major component of morphological variation, but the mechanisms underlying phenotypic differences between sexes of a single species are poorly understood. Our study on Elymnias hypermnestra revealed three genetically distinct populations, with two SNPs near the colour patterning gene WntA significantly associated with the female colour pattern polymorphism. This suggests the repeatability of the evolution of sexual dimorphism in Nymphalidae.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Koushik Garain
Summary: This paper presents a ratio-dependent community dynamics model on Batesian mimicry, focusing on the relationship between model-species and mimic-species. While both species can survive without environmental noise, external noises push the model-species to extinction, leaving only the mimic-species stable. The mechanism of noise-induced transition in the basin of attraction of a stable interior equilibrium point is discussed, along with the study of different noise intensities for the transition using stochastic sensitivity function technique.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL-SPECIAL TOPICS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Oliver T. Heerwig, Sofia M. R. Jain-Schlaepfer, Thomas N. Sherratt, David W. Kikuchi
Summary: Undefended or weakly defended prey may evolve to mimic better-defended prey in a parasitic relationship called Batesian mimicry. Highly defended prey with lethal defenses may prevent predators from learning to avoid them, so they mimic the warning signals of less defended prey where avoidance learning is possible. The feasibility of this hypothesis was examined through modeling associative learning of predators foraging on weakly or highly defended prey.
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nittay Meroz, Nesli Tovi, Yael Sorokin, Jonathan Friedman
Summary: Managing and engineering microbial communities requires the ability to predict their composition. While little work has been done on predicting compositions on evolutionary timescales, this study shows that community composition typically changes during evolution, but the composition of replicate communities remains similar. These changes were also predictable, suggesting that it may be possible to forecast the evolution of microbial communities even on long timescales.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dipendra Nath Basu, Vaishali Bhaumik, Krushnamegh Kunte
Summary: Multitrait adaptive evolution is influenced by factors such as phylogenetic and functional constraints and the intensity and direction of selection. The tempo and mode of such evolution can impact the assembly of biological communities. Batesian mimicry involves adaptive evolution of multiple traits and we evaluated the tempo and mode of convergence in flight morphology and color patterns in mimetic butterfly communities. We found that models showed faster rates of aposematic trait evolution compared to mimics or nonmimetic sister species, and the degree of mimetic resemblance was correlated with character evolution rate, but not phylogenetic relatedness. Convergence was driven by the greater lability of color patterns, indicating differential selection pressures and constraints on trait evolution.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shinji Sugiura, Masakazu Hayashi
Summary: In defensive mimicry, unequal resemblance between defended species can be parasitic, known as quasi-Batesian mimicry. This study examined the mimetic interaction between well-defended insect species, the bombardier beetle and the assassin bug, using their predator, the pond frog. The results showed that both the bombardier beetle and the assassin bug benefited from this mimetic interaction.
Article
Ecology
Stano Pekar
Summary: The study found that the accuracy of ant-mimicking spiders increases with body size and is influenced by different habitat types. Accuracy also varies in different geographical regions, with higher accuracy observed at lower latitudes due to stronger predation pressure from visually hunting predators.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sana Romdhane, Ayme Spor, Julie Aubert, David Bru, Marie-Christine Breuil, Sara Hallin, Arnaud Mounier, Sarah Ouadah, Myrto Tsiknia, Laurent Philippot
Summary: This study utilized a top-down manipulation approach to investigate the role of biotic interactions in shaping soil microbial communities, revealing the importance of such interactions and identifying microbial community assembly rules. Modified biotic interactions had a greater impact on activities related to nitrogen cycling than carbon cycling, providing insights into microbial interactions in complex ecosystems and their relationship with ecosystem function.
Article
Biology
Dequn Teng, Wei Zhang
Summary: Butterfly wings, with their rich phenotypic diversity and complex biological functions, serve as a crucial system for studying the genetic basis and evolution of phenotypic diversification. Recent studies have revealed the complex functions and genetic and environmental factors involved in determining wing patterns. These factors lead to inter-specific divergence, genetic polymorphism, and phenotypic plasticity, often controlled by key genes. Gene co-option has also been identified as an important mechanism for functional complexity and evolutionary novelty. However, further research is needed for a systematic and comprehensive understanding.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Zoology
Vivek Sarkar, Cuckoo Mahapatra, Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Manoj V. Nair, Krushnamegh Kunte
Summary: This study describes three new species of the Asian genus Mata Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from the Indian state of Meghalaya, namely Mata lenonia sp.nov., Mata ruffordii sp.nov., and Mata meghakvana sp.nov. Keys and taxonomic descriptions are provided along with detailed accounts of their natural history and acoustics.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Deepak Naik, R. Shyama Prasad Rao, Krushnamegh Kunte, Mohammed S. Mustak
Summary: As the pace of socioeconomic developments continues to accelerate, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss have become the norm. This study focuses on the Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive region and biodiversity hotspot, and uses butterflies as indicators to monitor ecological health. The researchers conducted surveys in eight different landscapes and recorded a large number of butterfly species and individuals. They found significant differences in diversity and abundance among habitats. The study also identified several indicator species and discussed the patterns of habitat-specific butterfly species in relation to conservation and butterfly abundance.
JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Zhengyang Wang, Wa Da, Chandra Singh Negi, Puspa Lal Ghimire, Karma Wangdi, Pramod K. Yadav, Zhuoma Pubu, Laiku Lama, Kuenga Yarpel, Sarah C. Maunsell, Yong Liu, Krushnamegh Kunte, Kamaljit S. Bawa, Darong Yang, Naomi E. Pierce
Summary: The collection of caterpillar fungus is a vital source of income for many Himalayan communities, but it is not legally recognized, leaving collectors at an economic disadvantage. Researchers have developed a high-throughput method to differentiate caterpillar fungus samples based on geographical location and propose a two-step procedure to help authenticate local produce. The fair trade of caterpillar fungus is important to support trans-boundary conservation efforts in the Himalayan region.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Shantanu Joshi, Dattaprasad Sawant, Hemant Ogale, Krushnamegh Kunte
Summary: We have described a new species of dragonfly, Burmagomphus chaukulensis sp. nov., which is distinguished from other congeners by the shape of male caudal appendages and the lateral thoracic markings. Additionally, B. chaukulensis is unique in terms of the shape of hamuli. An updated identification key to Indian Burmagomphus spp. is also provided.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Christopher L. Owen, David C. Marshall, Elizabeth J. Wade, Russ Meister, Geert Goemans, Krushnamegh Kunte, Max Moulds, Kathy Hill, M. Villet, Thai-Hong Pham, Michelle Kortyna, Emily Moriarty Lemmon, Alan R. Lemmon, Chris Simon
Summary: Contamination of genetic samples in molecular phylogenetic studies is a continuing concern. This study developed an automated pipeline to identify and exclude contaminated loci, without relying on prior knowledge of taxon relatedness. The experiment showed that contaminated loci can affect topological patterns and branch supports, and contamination is correlated with long tip branches and certain statistical values. The cleaned data set supported some subfamilies in the Cicadidae family.
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dipendra Nath Basu, Vaishali Bhaumik, Krushnamegh Kunte
Summary: Multitrait adaptive evolution is influenced by factors such as phylogenetic and functional constraints and the intensity and direction of selection. The tempo and mode of such evolution can impact the assembly of biological communities. Batesian mimicry involves adaptive evolution of multiple traits and we evaluated the tempo and mode of convergence in flight morphology and color patterns in mimetic butterfly communities. We found that models showed faster rates of aposematic trait evolution compared to mimics or nonmimetic sister species, and the degree of mimetic resemblance was correlated with character evolution rate, but not phylogenetic relatedness. Convergence was driven by the greater lability of color patterns, indicating differential selection pressures and constraints on trait evolution.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabien L. Condamine, Remi Allio, Eliette L. Reboud, Julian R. Dupuis, Emmanuel F. A. Toussaint, Nathan Mazet, Shao-Ji Hu, Delano S. Lewis, Krushnamegh Kunte, Adam M. Cotton, Felix A. H. Sperling
Summary: This study reconstructed a phylogenetic tree for the genus Papilio based on taxonomic and molecular analyses. It identified several taxonomic changes and revealed the origin and biogeographic distribution of this genus. This comprehensive phylogenetic framework will facilitate further studies on the ecology and evolutionary biology of Papilio.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Sanjay Sondhi, Konstantin A. Efetov, Gerhard M. Tarmann, Tarun Karmakar, Ujwala Pawar, Krushnamegh Kunte
Summary: A new species, Piarosoma arunachalensis sp. nov., is identified and described based on the external features and genitalia of two male specimens from Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh, India. This species is distinguished from others in the Piarosoma genus by the presence of large transparent patches on the wings, absence of white or yellow markings on the patagia and abdominal segments, and differences in the male genitalia.
Article
Ecology
Akito Y. Kawahara, Caroline Storer, Ana Paula S. Carvalho, David M. Plotkin, Fabien L. Condamine, Mariana P. Braga, Emily A. Ellis, Ryan A. St Laurent, Xuankun Li, Vijay Barve, Liming Cai, Chandra Earl, Paul B. Frandsen, Hannah L. Owens, Wendy A. Valencia-Montoya, Kwaku Aduse-Poku, Emmanuel F. A. Toussaint, Kelly M. Dexter, Tenzing Doleck, Amanda Markee, Rebeccah Messcher, Y-Lan Nguyen, Jade Aster T. Badon, Hugo A. Benitez, Michael F. Braby, Perry A. C. Buenavente, Wei-Ping Chan, Steve C. Collins, Richard A. Rabideau Childers, Even Dankowicz, Rod Eastwood, Zdenek F. Fric, Riley J. Gott, Jason P. W. Hall, Winnie Hallwachs, Nate B. Hardy, Rachel L. Hawkins Sipe, Alan Heath, Jomar D. Hinolan, Nicholas T. Homziak, Yu-Feng Hsu, Yutaka Inayoshi, Micael G. A. Itliong, Daniel H. Janzen, Ian J. Kitching, Krushnamegh Kunte, Gerardo Lamas, Michael J. Landis, Elise A. Larsen, Torben B. Larsen, Jing V. Leong, Vladimir Lukhtanov, Crystal A. Maier, Jose I. Martinez, Dino J. Martins, Kiyoshi Maruyama, Sarah C. Maunsell, Nicolas Oliveira Mega, Alexander Monastyrskii, Ana B. B. Morais, Chris J. Mueller, Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Gregory Nielsen, Pablo Sebastian Padron, Djunijanti Peggie, Helena Piccoli Romanowski, Szabolcs Safian, Motoki Saito, Stefan Schroeder, Vaughn Shirey, Doug Soltis, Pamela Soltis, Andrei Sourakov, Gerard Talavera, Roger Vila, Petr Vlasanek, Houshuai Wang, Andrew D. Warren, Keith R. Willmott, Masaya Yago, Walter Jetz, Marta A. Jarzyna, Jesse W. Breinholt, Marianne Espeland, Leslie Ries, Robert P. Guralnick, Naomi E. Pierce, David J. Lohman
Summary: Butterflies are believed to have evolved alongside plants and dispersed globally in response to geological events, according to a new comprehensive phylogenetic study. The study sequenced genes from nearly 2,300 butterfly species and reconstructed a phylogenomic tree representing 92% of all genera, resulting in the reclassification of 36 butterfly tribes. The research also revealed that butterflies first fed on Fabaceae plants and originated in the Americas.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Suman Attiwilli, Nitin Ravikanthachari, Krushnamegh Kunte
Summary: Long-term monitoring programmes have uncovered declines in insect populations and disruption of biological communities. We propose time-constrained counts as an alternative method for sampling and monitoring butterfly populations in tropical habitats.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wa Da, Suresh K. Rana, Kamal Bawa, Krushnamegh Kunte, Zhengyang Wang
Summary: Himalaya and the Tibetan Plateau, known as the 'land of snow' and the 'roof of the world', are home to a vast amount of indigenous people and rich biodiversity. However, indigenous researchers and institutions have been underrepresented in scientific studies exploring the genetic mechanisms and phylogeography of high-elevation adaptation in the region. Recognizing the value of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and involving indigenous communities in multi-national collaborations are essential for comprehensive research and conservation efforts. The work of the next generation of indigenous molecular ecologists studying the evolutionary history and genetic information of the region is crucial for environmental sustainability.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Deepak Naik, R. Shyama Prasad Rao, Krushnamegh Kunte, Mohammed S. Mustak
Summary: Long-term socioeconomic progress relies on a healthy environment, but human activities have led to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. It is important to constantly monitor ecological health and biodiversity to assess their state. This study examines the seasonality and polyphenism of butterflies in the Western Ghats to establish baseline population patterns, providing crucial data for monitoring this ecologically sensitive region in the face of climate change and conservation efforts.
JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Suman Attiwilli, Tarun Karmakar, Kavita Isvaran, Krushnamegh Kunte
Summary: The study found that tropical butterflies show generalized responses to habitat disturbance, primarily depending on their habitat preference and functional morphological traits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Kathy B. R. Hill, David C. Marshall, Kiran Marathe, Maxwell S. Moulds, Young June Lee, Thai-Hong Pham, Alma B. Mohagan, Vivek Sarkar, Benjamin W. Price, J. P. Duffels, Marieke A. Schouten, Arnold J. de Boer, Krushnamegh Kunte, Chris Simon
Summary: This research presents a focused molecular phylogeny of a largely Asian group of cicadas, revealing complex evolutionary history and convergent phenotypic traits. Some cicada tribes appear polyphyletic and in need of revision and reclassification.
INVERTEBRATE SYSTEMATICS
(2021)
