Temperatures in the Cothill habitat of Panaxia (Callimorpha) dominula L. (the scarlet tiger moth)

Article Abstract:

The Cothill Fen, UK, habitat of Panaxia (Callimorpha) dominula L. (the scarlet tiger moth) and its temperatures are discussed. A study of the medionigra type of the moth in the colony began in 1939. Interpretation has been controversial. The temperatures were monitored in the places where larvae pupate. Temperatures in the litter layer are diurnally often much higher at the critical time than those in previous constant temperature experiments. Daily mean temperature in the shaded litter layer is higher vs the shaded air temperature. Both temperatures are higher than the baseline estimate used by others. Effects of fluctuating temperatures in the habitat on the phenotypic expression of wing patterns appear to be minimal and do not parallel results of laboratory experiments.

Habitat (Ecology), Habitat modification, Color of animals, Animal coloration, Temperature

Frequency of insularia during the decline in melanics in the peppered moth Biston betularia in Britain

Article Abstract:

Insularia and its frequency during the decline in melanics in the peppered moth Biston betularia in Britain are discussed. Phenotype frequency of insularia does not necessarily agree with allele frequency. It has been shown that if insularia fitness is between that of carbonaria and typical, and melanics replace typicals or vice versa, insulria allele frequency will rise and fall during the transition.

Human beings, Human-environment interactions, Natural selection, Allelomorphism, Alleles, Industry, Industries, Protective coloration (Biology), Protective coloration (Animal coloration)

Geographic and temporal variation in the incidence of melanism in peppered moth populations in America and Britain

Article Abstract:

Melanic frequencies in peppered moth species in the US and UK were investigated. In addition, levels of atmospheric sulphur dioxide for the regions were reviewed to determine whether geographic variation in the incidence of industrial melanism in peppered moth populations is associated with variation in pollution levels. Results showed that there is a widespread decline in melanism in peppered moth populations in both countries, and that this change is attributed to decreases in levels of atmospheric sulphur dioxide.

Physiological aspects, Population genetics, Air pollution, Melanin, Sulfur dioxide, Insect populations, Color of insects, Insect coloration, Melanism (Evolutionary biology)