UV reflectance of inter‐subspecific hybrid females obtained by crossing cabbage butterflies from Japan (Pieris rapae crucivora) with those from New Zealand (P. rapae rapae)

Abstract

AbstractCross‐mating was performed between subspecies of cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae crucivora from Japan and P. rapae rapae from New Zealand, whose females are known to reflect and absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, respectively. In the female F1 hybrids UV reflectance was intermediate between the two parent females. Further, the UV reflectance was significantly higher in the female F1 hybrids derived from females of the New Zealand subspecies than in those derived from females of the Japanese subspecies.