Abstract
Sequencing the genome of Heliconius melpomene has enabled genome-scale analysis of introgression in Heliconius, which is a rapidly radiating genus of butterflies. This analysis has revealed a hybrid exchange of genes at genomic regions that control wing pattern mimicry, which is a protective mechanism whereby species mimic each others' warning signals to warn off predators. The authors infer that closely related Heliconius species exchange protective colour pattern genes promiscuously and that hybridization can aid adaptation by transferring beneficial traits between species.
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