Early-exposure to new sex pheromone blends alters mate preference in female butterflies and in their offspring

Emilie Dion (), Li Xian Pui, Katie Weber and Antónia Monteiro ()
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Emilie Dion: National University of Singapore
Li Xian Pui: National University of Singapore
Katie Weber: National University of Singapore
Antónia Monteiro: National University of Singapore

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract While the diversity of sex pheromone communication systems across insects is well documented, the mechanisms that lead to such diversity are not well understood. Sex pheromones constitute a species-specific system of sexual communication that reinforces interspecific reproductive isolation. When odor blends evolve, the efficacy of male-female communication becomes compromised, unless preference for novel blends also evolves. We explore odor learning as a possible mechanism leading to changes in sex pheromone preferences in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Our experiments reveal mating patterns suggesting that mating bias for new blends can develop following a short learning experience, and that this maternal experience impacts the mating outcome of offspring without further exposure. We propose that odor learning can be a key factor in the evolution of sex pheromone blend recognition and in chemosensory speciation.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13801-2

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