On wing pattern and wing shape evolution in Giant Silk Moths: Lessons from wing development in Luna and Polyphemus Moths

Abstract

Heparin and dextran sulfate were used to influence wing development in the Luna Moth and the Polyphemus Moth. The experiments led to alterations not only of wing patterns, but also of wing shapes in both species, albeit in different ways. Dextran sulfate led to contractions of the wing pattern elements that were expanded by heparin in the Polyphemus Moth. Transformations of the dorsal wing pattern of the Luna Moth under the influence of heparin were dramatic and demonstrated the hidden potential for creating color patterns by contracting and expanding wing pattern elements. For the first time, polysaccharides have been shown to have an effect on wing shape: heparin caused significant expansion of the hindwing tails in the Luna Moth, while dextran sulfate caused a narrowing of the wings in the Polyphemus Moth. This study aims to provide insight into homologies in wing pattern elements, such as eyespots, across the Lepidoptera order, in general, and Saturniidae, in particular, and contributes to understanding phenotypic diversity and plasticity within the genera Actias and Antheraea.