Does coevolution in refugia drive mimicry in bumble bees? Insights from a South Asian mimicry group

Authors: Jixiang Cui, Yuxin Chen, Heather M. Hines, Ling Ma, Wanhu Yang, Chao Wang, Shanlin Liu, Hu Li, Wanzhi Cai, Wa Da, Paul Williams, Li Tian

Published: 2024-06-12

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl2286

Source: Full article


Abstract

Müllerian mimicry was proposed to be an example of a coevolved mutualism promoted by population isolation in glacial refugia. This, however, has not been well supported in butterfly models. Here, we use genomic data to test this theory while examining the population genetics behind mimetic diversification in a pair of co-mimetic bumble bees,