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Brief Communications
Nature 423, 31-32 (1 May 2003) | doi:10.1038/423031a
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Insect communication: Polarized light as a butterfly mating signal
Alison Sweeney1,2, Christopher Jiggins2,3 & Sönke Johnsen1
Abstract
This optical feature of some iridescent wings catches a suitor's eye in the deep forest.
Abstract
Iridescent butterfly scales are visually stunning structures that reflect highly saturated colour. They also create an array of non-chromatic optical phenomena, such as polarization, polarization mixing and highly directional flashes1, 2, but the ecological purpose of these effects is unclear3, 4. Here we show that polarized light is used in mate recognition by Heliconius butterflies, a genus that is known to rely on visual cues in sexual selection and speciation5. This terrestrial example of exploitation of polarized light may have adaptive value in dense forest, where illumination varies greatly in spectrum and intensity.
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