Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 101. (Budapest 2009)
Bálint, Zs., Moser, A., Kertész, K., Biró, L. P. & Parker, A. R.: A supposition: structural colours resulting from both natural and sexual selection on an individual wing in the butterfly genus Cyanophrys (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Structural colours in Cyanophrys (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) 65 and sympatric taxa can discriminate each other, or how reproductive isolation can work in situ where superficially indistinguishable taxa cohabit. In this paper we are interested in the question whether the photonic properties of the wings play a role in such discrimination by examining several, related species, including some from the same environment. Former observations and generalized statements suggest that (a) dorsal blue wing surfaces play an important role in sexual communication (LUNDGREN 1977, SLLBERGLIED 1984) and (b) that the ventral surfaces of the wings provide cryptic colouration or camouflage (NLJHOUT 1991). However, it is important to consider spectral measurements rather than appearances to the human eye. We aim to test the two working hypotheses and measure the optical variables which can be associated to them. We remark here that our working hypotheses are not dependent from each other; consequently hypothesis (1) does not implies hypothesis (2), nor vice versa : ( 1 ) If the dorsal surfaces of the wings play an important role in the communication of individual butterflies, then closely related taxa occurring synchronically and syntopically should reveal different, species-specific spectral properties (Fig. 1). (2) If the ventral wing surfaces of the wings play an important role in the camouflage of individual butterflies, then taxa occurring synchronically and syntopically should reveal similar spectroscopic properties, because it is likely that they target the same visual systems (of generalist predators) (Fig. 2). Figs 1-2. 1 = Male Cyanophrys acaste (PRITTWITZ, 1865) individual in perching position, before taking flight and emitting blue signals, 2 = Female Cyanophrys remus (HEWITSON, 1868) individual in camouflaging pose during overcast periods (photos: A. MOSER) Annls hist.-nat. Mus. natn. hung. 101, 2009
