Wing Pattern Variation in a Globally Distributed Butterfly, Pieris rapae

Indianapolis, IN

Wing patterns in Pieris rapae and related butterflies vary seasonally. Previous experimental work shows that both the temperature and day length experienced during development causes wing pattern variation. However, it is unknown how wing patterns vary on a global scale, despite the fact that the species occupies a wide range temperatures. Pieris rapae can be found in Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. The question we want to address is if wing pattern variations are due to regional temperatures, regional photoperiods, and/or a combination of these or other unknown factors. This study will examine wing pattern variation in butterflies collected in the last few years from several parts of the world. Specifically, we will analyze how wing patterns vary by regions and determine the effects of latitude on the wing pattern. The results will provide a baseline for comparison to other butterflies captured in the past and to-be-captured in the future, as well as long-term changes in wing pattern due to climate change.