UV as a potential signal for communication in butterflies and moths

Abstract

Lepidoptera is an order of insect which is well known for the diversified patterns present in their wing. The members of this order include all the butterflies and moths. Each member of this family possesses unique arrangement of scales within the wing which helps in the patterning. Thus the pattern of the wing is species specific. The wing pattern helps in intra as well as interspecific communication. Thus alternatively the wing helps in the protection as well as propagation of the species. Butterfly and moths possess a wide range of color sensitivity among the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus the wing not only employs the colors of visible range but also ultraviolet (UV) signals are found in the wing. UV signal is considered as the most honest signal among lepidopterans. Each species has their own UV pattern. Blinding of UV signal even fail to mate beside of having all the proper structure required for mating. The current study summarises the UV pattern among certain members of Lepidoptera.