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Ultraviolet Light Patterns and Communication

The ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum provides important sensory information that guides behavior for numerous species. For example, some pollinators use nectar guides, distinctive patterns on flowers only visible under ultraviolet light, to find their ways to a flower's nectar, their food source. Ultraviolet light is an important factor in animal behavior and communication.

Ultraviolet Light Reflection in Butterflies

Butterflies, or members of the Papilionoidea superfamily, are able to reflect ultraviolet light in one of two known ways: structurally or via pigmentation.

References

• Ghiradella, H et al. (1972): “Ultraviolet Reflection of a Male Butterfly: Interference Color caused by Thin-Layer Elaboration of Wing Scales.” Science: 178, 4066,Ppg. 1214-1217.

• Obara Y. and Hidaka, T. (1968): “Recognition of the Female by the Male, on the basis of Ultra-Violet reflection, in the White Cabbage Butterfly, Pieris rapae crucivora Boisduval.” Proc. Japan Acad. Vol. 44 No. 8 ppg 828-832.

• Obara Y. (1970): “Studies on the Mating Behavior of the White Cabbage Butterfly, Pieris rapae crucivora Boisduval.” Z. vergl. Physiologie: 60, ppg 99-116.

• Obara Y. (1975): “Mating Behavior of the Cabbage White Butterfly, Pieris rapae Crucivora. Electrophysiological Decision of Muscle Functions in Wing and Abdomen Movements and Muscle Output Pattersn during Flight.” J. comp. Physiol. 102, ppg. 189-200.

• Papke, R. S., Kemp, D. J., and Rutowski, R. L. (2007): “Multimodal signaling: structural ultraviolet reflectance predicts male mating success better than pheromones in the butterfly Colias eurtheme L.” Animal Behavior: 73, ppg 47-54.