Moth wing patterns change with added chemicals in new study
Andrei Sourakov from the University of Florida altered moth wing patterns by adding specific compounds during development.
Chemicals alter wing appearance and shape
Researchers added heparin and dextran sulfate to luna and polyphemus moths at critical growth stages. This treatment shifted the coloration of luna moth wings from camouflaged to conspicuous designs. The process also modified the physical shape of the wings for the first time in this group.
Study published in scientific journal
The findings appear in the journal Evolution and Development according to the report. Scientists note that these features can switch states without major genetic inventions. The research supports a molecular cookie cutter idea previously proposed for butterflies.
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