Zygaena Ephialtes - Polymorphism

Polymorphism

This moth is a polymorphic species having different mimetic forms. There is an ephialtoid form similar in coloration to the genus Amata of tiger moths (Arctiidae) (see Amata phegea). They are characterized by white spots on the upper wing surface and the wear a yellow ring segment. In contrast, the peucedanoid form is similar to the Six-spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae). They have five or six red spots on the upper wing surface and have a red body ring.

These features are genetically fixed. The populations and subspecies occur on these allelic combinations in different proportions. The dominant alleles are peucedanoid and dominate in the ephialtoid form.

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