Color Pattern Research Articles

Alpheid shrimps of the genera Athanas Leach, 1814, Athanopsis Coutire, 1897 and Pseudathanas Bruce, 1983 of the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula (Malacostraca: Decapoda: Caridea).

Several species of alpheid shrimps belonging the genera Athanas Leach, 1814, Athanopsis Coutire, 1897 and Pseudathanas Bruce, 1983 (Decapoda: Caridea) are reported based on material collected on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia and in Oman. Athanas claereboudti sp. nov. is described based on specimens from Masirah Island and Bandar Khayran east of Muscat, Oman, whereas A. iranicus Anker, Naderloo & Marin, 2010, A. minikoensis Coutire, 1903, A. parvus De Man, 1910, and a species tentatively identified as A. cf. dentirostris Anker, Jeng & Chan, 2001, are reported from various Omani localities. In the genus Athanopsis, four species are reported, including one species new to science: A. brevirostris Banner & Banner, 1981 from Saudi Arabia, A. dawa sp. nov. and A. rubricinctuta Berggren, 1991 from Masirah Island, Oman, and A. tarahomii Marin, Sheibani & Sari, 2014 from Saudi Arabia. The records of A. rubricinctuta and A. tarahomii represent second findings and significant extensions of their previously known ranges for these species. An important error in the description and illustration of the colour pattern of A. tarahomii is corrected, whereas the colour pattern of A. brevirostris is compared again with that of A. saurus Anker, 2011; the latter species is newly recorded from New Caledonia. The taxonomic identity of A. platyrhynchus Coutire, 1897, the type species of the genus from Djibouti, remains somewhat problematic. Finally, the monotypic genus Alberta Kazmi & Kazmi, 2010 established for Alberta banneri Kazmi & Kazmi, 2010 is placed in the synonymy of Pseudathanas Bruce, 1983 and Pseudathanas banneri (Kazmi & Kazmi, 2010) comb. nov. is reported from Muscat, Oman, for the first time since its original description. The generic diagnoses of Athanas, Athanopsis and Pseudathanas are emended to accommodate new or transferred species. All species reported are illustrated in colour.

Description of one new genus and two new species of Apomecynini (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) from Mexico

The knowledge of the diversity of leaf litter cerambycid fauna is limited, particularly in the Neotropics, where several species likely remain unreported. Most of these small and apterous beetles commonly belong to the tribe Apomecynini (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae). Herein, one new genus and two new species of Apomecynini are described and illustrated from material collected in leaf litter and subcortical habitats in Mexico: Enochlisi tlaloque sp. nov., from Cofre de Perote mountain, Veracruz, and Folilectia muye gen. & sp. nov., from Xochicoatlán, Hidalgo. The new genus differs from related taxa in divided eyes, antennomere IV longer than scape, and elytra not vermiculated or tuberculated, elongate in the apical third. Enochlisi tlaloque differs from E. micri Santos-Silva 2022 mainly in size of antennae, pronotum coarsely punctate, and elytra weakly vermiculate, with distinctive pubescent color pattern.

Control the structure of the polyacrylate/epoxy resin film through photopolymerisation

ABSTRACT Double-layered polymer-stabilised cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCLC) films constructed from epoxy resin and polyacrylate were prepared based on photopolymerisation-induced phase separation. Moreover, a PSCLC film with an interpenetrating network was prepared through a one-step photopolymerisation approach. A colourful pattern was prepared based on these two approaches, which was suitably applied for decoration.

Can Bergmann’s Rule and the Thermal Melanism Hypothesis explain the variation in colour and size observed in the wild bee Eoanthidium insulare (Apoidea: Megachilidae) across its Palaearctic range?

To analyse geographic variation patterns and assess the applicability of biogeographical rules in insects, the West Palaearctic anthidiine bee Eoanthidium insulare serves as an excellent model. This species showcases a highly variable black-and-yellow colour pattern, with a distribution spanning over 4400 km from the Adriatic Sea to the Pamir Mountains and extending over 1660 km in a south-north direction. We examined 214 specimens from all geographic regions of its distribution and identified a significant increase in both body size and the proportion of black in the integument from south to north. This phenomenon may be attributed to a more efficient exploitation of solar energy through a larger integument surface area (Bergmann’s Rule) and enhanced heat retention due to lower skin reflectance (Thermal Melanism Hypothesis). These two processes, therefore, complement each other. However, despite the cooler climates at higher altitudes, we found no correlations between body size and altitude. Furthermore, while we observed an increase in the proportion of black in the integument from east to west, there was no significant increase in body size. Notably, no correlation between body size and body colouration was identified, suggesting that size and colour adaptation are independent processes. Given that the various colour and size patterns were identified as clinal rather than discontinuous, and the intraspecific genetic distance across the distribution area was remarkably low (0.00138), featuring only four distinct haplotypes of the mitochondrial COI region DNA sequence, we suggest that the subspecies E. i. persicolum and E. i. lemesium be regarded as synonymous with the nominate subspecies (syn. nov.). These findings suggest that, although Bergmann’s Rule and the Thermal Melanism Hypothesis can account for certain aspects of geographic variation in the body size and colouration of E. insulare, their effects may be influenced or superimposed by factors such as genetic constitution.

Urine Analysis in Ayurveda and Modern Medicine: Exploring Convergence and Divergence

Urine examination has played a significant role in medical diagnostics across diverse civilizations throughout history. Ayurveda, a traditional healing system originating in the Indian subcontinent, placed importance on urine analysis as a diagnostic tool. In contrast, modern medical science employs sophisticated laboratory techniques and imaging technologies for urine examination. This manuscript delves into the historical context, techniques, and tools used in Ayurveda for urine examination, comparing them with contemporary scientific approaches. Ayurveda's holistic understanding, rooted in the concept of Tridosha utilized urine examination to identify imbalances and formulate personalized treatments. Ayurvedic physicians observed attributes like color, odor, and sedimentation patterns, aligning them with Doshic qualities. Modern urinalysis encompasses visual, chemical, and microscopic analyses, yielding critical clinical information. Elevated glucose, protein, ketones, presence of blood cells, and crystals provide insights into diabetes, kidney dysfunction, infections, and metabolic disorders. Advanced imaging techniques contribute to urinary tract evaluation. By juxtaposing Ayurvedic and modern approaches, potential correlations and synergies emerge, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary evidence-based medicine. Integrating personalized Ayurvedic principles with objective modern methodologies could lead to enhanced diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Challenges in integration and the importance of holistic patient-centered care are acknowledged. The exploration of urine examination unites tradition and innovation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for a holistic approach to healthcare.

Comprehensive Qualitative and Quantitative Colorimetric Sensing of Volatile Organic Compounds Using Monolayered Metal-Organic Framework Films.

Cross-responsive chemical sensors are in high demand owing to their ability to distinguish a broad range of analytes. In this study, a vapochromic sensor array based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which exhibits distinct patterns when exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and humidity, is developed. Conventional sensor arrays consist of various receptors that produce different responses. The vapochromic MOF-based sensor comprises dicopper paddlewheel clusters and dimethylamine azobenzene as binary colorimetric sensing moieties. Upon exposure to VOCs, the constructed sensor encompasses a broad spectrum of colors, ranging from green to red. Furthermore, the color of the MOF is influenced by the solvent used during the pretreatment. Consequently, monolayered MOF thin films can be adapted to multicomponent array systems by immersing the MOF in different solvents. This system provides both qualitative and quantitative sensing, generating unique color patterns corresponding to specific VOC types. Notably, the sensor successfully discriminates each of 14 common VOCs and water and accurately categorizes unknown samples. Moreover, the system undergoes reversible color changes in response to humidity, obviating the need for high-temperature regeneration steps. This novel approach offers insights into the versatile applications of MOFs by creating a colorimetric sensor array capable of detecting various analytes.

The more, the merrier: a new colonial species of the orb weaving spider genus Leucauge White, 1841 (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) from the Amazon rainforest.

A new Leucauge species, widespread in the Amazon rainforest, is described and illustrated. Leucauge behemoth n. sp. lives in colonies, usually positioned above turbulent waters. Both males and females have a unique color pattern, especially on the abdomen, which makes this species easily identifiable. Males are distinguished from most congeners by the long hook of the cymbium and from their closest relatives by the lack of a cymbial dorsobasal process. Females of this species differ from their congeners by the presence of a rounded ventral process in the epigynum. Leucauge argyroaffins Soares & Camargo, 1948 is proposed as a junior synonym of Leucauge argyra (Walckenaer, 1841).

Investigation on the true identity of Entomobrya nigriventris Stach, 1929 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) with the description of a new species

The present paper gives a detailed and illustrated redescription of Entomobrya nigriventris Stach, 1929, and the description of a new species collected from open sand steppe habitat in Hungary. Based on the colour pattern, E. arenaria Winkler, Flórián & Dányi, sp. nov. is close to E. violaceolineata Stach, 1963 but differs from it by the morphology of the labral papillae and the dorsal macrochaetotaxy of the head, Th II, and Abd II–IV. The new species is also characterised by dark ventral body colouration in adult specimens. In this regard, an overview of European Entomobrya species in which the dark ventral side may occur is also provided.

Colour change and colour phases in Lethrinidae with insights into ecology.

Colour change is used by a wide range of animals. It is used for intra- and interspecific communication and crypsis, and can occur on morphological and physiological levels. Bony fish employ rapid physiological colour change and display various types of patterns and colouration (colour phases) useful for aposematic and cryptic purposes. Using an existing database of benthic stereo-baited remote underwater video systems from two locations in Western Australia, we tested whether the frequency of colour phases of emperors, Lethrinidae, varied by species. We described colour phases and rapid physiological colour change in 16 species of lethrinids, and related occurrences of colour change to feeding activity and life stages. Dark and light colour phases were observed in nine of the 16 evaluated species of which seven also displayed physiological colour change. Frequency of colour phases varied between species, suggesting that the display of different dark patterns may be especially important for certain species. Both juveniles and adults showed the ability to change between different colour patterns. The change into a mottled pattern mainly occurred while feeding or when approaching to feed, suggesting that it may be triggered by feeding and the associated decrease in environmental awareness. Colour change is a commonly observed strategy in lethrinids and may have evolved as an adaptation for increased foraging success or to reduce aggression from conspecifics. Physiological colour change allows lethrinids to quickly adapt to various cues from the environment and can therefore be considered a versatile physiological mechanism in this family.

Genetic modification of a Hox locus drives mimetic color pattern variation in a highly polymorphic bumble bee.

Müllerian mimicry provides natural replicates ideal for exploring mechanisms underlying adaptive phenotypic divergence and convergence, yet the genetic mechanisms underlying mimetic variation remains largely unknown. The current study investigates the genetic basis of mimetic color pattern variation in a highly polymorphic bumble bee, Bombus breviceps (Hymenoptera, Apidae). In South Asia, this species and multiple comimetic species converge onto local Müllerian mimicry patterns by shifting the abdominal setal color from orange to black. Genetic crossing between the orange and black phenotypes suggested the color dimorphism being controlled by a single Mendelian locus, with the orange allele being dominant over black. Genome-wide association suggests that a locus at the intergenic region between two abdominal fate-determining Hox genes, abd-A and Abd-B is associated with the color change. This locus is therefore in the same intergenic region but not the same exact locus as found to drive red-black mid-abdominal variation in a distantly related bumble bee species, B. melanopygus. Gene expression analysis and RNA interferences suggest that differential expression of an intergenic long non-coding RNA between abd-A and Abd-B at the onset setal color differentiation may drive the orange black color variation by causing a homeotic shift late in development. Analysis of this same color locus in comimetic species reveals no sequence association with the same color shift, suggesting that mimetic convergence is achieved through distinct genetic routes. Our study establishes Hox regions as genomic hotspots for color pattern evolution in bumble bees, and demonstrates how pleiotropic developmental loci can drive adaptive radiations in nature.

Quantifying visual acuity in Heliconius butterflies.

Heliconius butterflies are well-known for their colourful wing patterns, which advertise distastefulness to potential predators and are used during mate choice. However, the relative importance of different aspects of these signals will depend on the visual abilities of Heliconius and their predators. Previous studies have investigated colour sensitivity and neural anatomy, but visual acuity (the ability to perceive detail) has not been studied in these butterflies. Here, we provide the first estimate of visual acuity in Heliconius: from a behavioural optomotor assay, we found that mean visual acuity = 0.49 cycles-per-degree (cpd), with higher acuity in males than females. We also examined eye morphology and report more ommatidia in male eyes. Finally, we estimated how visual acuity affects Heliconius visual perception compared to a potential avian predator. Whereas the bird predator maintained high resolving power, Heliconius lost the ability to resolve detail at greater distances, though colours may remain salient. These results will inform future studies of Heliconius wing pattern evolution, as well as other aspects in these highly visual butterflies, which have emerged as an important system in studies of adaptation and speciation.

Morphometric diversity of some Nigerian accessions of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea)

AbstractThis study evaluated the morphological diversity of some Nigerian accessions of Bambara groundnut. Field experiments were conducted in Nigeria in two locations and the phenotypic variation of Bambara groundnut accessions evaluated in 3 years (2017–2020) using a randomized complete block design. Twenty-eight quantitative and 10 qualitative traits were observed. Twenty-three out of the 28 quantitative morphological traits showed significant differences. TVSu-589 (28.85) and TVSu-670 (28.57) had the highest plant height; TVSu-572 (121.52), TVSu-271 (113.10) and TVSu-336 (104.15) had the highest 100-seed weight. Genetic variations were also observed in seed colour, terminal leaflet shape, petiole colour and eye pattern. Principal component analysis showed PC1 constituting 23.36% and PC2 constituting 15.76% of the total variation, while the first eight principal components with eigenvalues ≥1 revealed 77.28% of the total variation. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into four groups. Based on yield data in this study, accessions TVSu-594, TVSu-350, TVSu-336, TVSu-1242, TVSu-129, TVSu-14, TVSu-179, TVSu-2100, TVSu-261 and TVSu-589 were the best for yield and are recommended for further evaluation to improve yield. This study showed that a wide range of diversity exists in Bambara groundnut of Nigerian origin that could be useful for further utilization of genetic resources and improvement.

A new snake eel species of the genus Ophichthus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal, with the taxonomic account of Ophichthus chilkensis.

A new species of the ophichthid eel of the family Ophichthidae is described based on five specimens collected from the Mudasalodai fish landing center, off Cuddalore coast, southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal. Ophichthus naevius sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having a unique color pattern: dorsal body with numerous dense dark spots or patches, ventral body pale yellowish green, dorsal-fin origin just before pectoral-fin tip, vertebral formula: 12-14/52-53/134-138, and teeth on jaw uniserial and pointed. The study also reports the range extension and molecular evidence of Ophichthus chilkensis from South India. Molecular analyses were performed for both species, and their phylogenetic relationship suggests that the new species exhibits 10.2% genetic divergence with its congener Ophichthus sangjuensis, followed by Ophichthus brevicaudatus (10.4%), and Ophichthus sp. 1 (11.8%) also forms the closest clade in both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood (ML) tree. Similarly, according to the topology of the ML tree, the species O. chilkensis forms a clade with Ophichthus sp. 5, Ophichthus remiger, Ophichthus frontalis, Ophichthus sp. 6, and Ophichthus rex, suggesting that it would be the genetically closest congener.

Evidence for a selective link between cooperation and individual recognition

The ability to recognize others is a frequent assumption of models of the evolution of cooperation. At the same time, cooperative behavior has been proposed as a selective agent favoring the evolution of individual recognition abilities. Although theory predicts that recognition and cooperation may co-evolve, data linking recognition abilities and cooperative behavior with evidence of selection are elusive. Here, we provide evidence of a selective link between individual recognition and cooperation in the paper wasp Polistes fuscatus through a combination of clinal, common garden, and population genomics analyses. We identified latitudinal clines in both rates of cooperative nesting and color pattern diversity, consistent with a selective link between recognition and cooperation. In behavioral experiments, we replicated previous results demonstrating individual recognition in cooperative and phenotypically diverse P.fuscatus from New York. In contrast, wasps from a less cooperative and phenotypically uniform Louisiana population showed no evidence of individual recognition. In a common garden experiment, groups of wasps from northern populations formed more stable and individually biased associations, indicating that recognition facilitates group stability. The strength of recent positive selection on cognition-associated loci likely to mediate individual recognition is substantially greater in northern compared with southern P.fuscatus populations. Collectively, these data suggest that individual recognition and cooperative nesting behavior have co-evolved in P.fuscatus because recognition helps stabilize social groups. This work provides evidence of a specific cognitive phenotype under selection because of social interactions, supporting the idea that social behavior can be a key driver of cognitive evolution.

A Monocular Projector-Camera System Using Modular Architecture.

This paper presents a monocular projector-camera (procam) system using modular architecture based on relay optics. Conventional coaxial procam systems cannot support (1) online changes to lens settings (zoom and focus) and (2) wide-angle projection mapping. We develop design guidelines for a proposed procam system that would solve these restrictions and address the proposed system's unique technical issue of crosstalk between the camera and projector pixels. We conducted experiments using prototypes to validate the feasibility of the proposed framework. First, we confirmed that the proposed crosstalk reduction technique worked well. Second, we found our technique could achieve correct alignment of a projected image onto a moving surface while changing the zoom and focus of the objective lens. The monocular procam system also achieved radiometric compensation where a surface texture was visually concealed by pixel-wise control of a projection color based on the captured results of offline color pattern projections. Finally, we demonstrated the high expandability of our modular architecture, through the creation of a high dynamic range projection.

Are dark-eyed dogs favoured by humans? Domestication as a potential driver of iris colour difference between dogs and wolves.

Comparative studies have shown that the eye morphology of primates has been shaped by a variety of selection pressures (e.g. communication, environmental factors). To comprehensively elucidate the complex links between ocular morphology and its evolutionary drive, attention should be paid to other phylogenetic groups. Here, we address a new question regarding the evolution of eye colour patterns in the oldest domesticated animal, namely, the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). In this study, we conducted an image analysis of dogs and their closest relatives, grey wolves (Canis lupus), to compare the colours of their irises, with the aim of assessing whether eye colours of dogs affect how humans perceived dogs. We found that the irises of dogs were significantly darker than those of wolves. We also found that facial images of dark-eyed dogs were perceived as more friendly and immature, potentially eliciting caregiving responses from humans. Our findings are consistent with our expectation that humans favour dark-eyed dogs over light-eyed ones and provide an updated hypothesis that dogs with dark eyes may have evolved by acquiring a facial trait that sends a non-threatening gaze signal to humans.

Hidden diversity under stripes: three new species of land flatworms of the genus Paraba (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) from the southern Atlantic forest

ABSTRACT The dorsal color pattern, together with the morphology of the copulatory apparatus, provide important taxonomic characteristics for the identification of land planarians. In genera such as Paraba, in which most species have a morphologically similar copulatory apparatus and a dorsum with several stripes that vary according to color, width, and arrangement, the existence of pseudocryptic species can lead to a misidentification and underestimation of their diversity. In this work we describe three new species of Paraba which, due to the color pattern, have been mistaken for already described species of the genus. Specimens were collected in different forest formations of the southern Atlantic Forest, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from each other and from other congeners through the color pattern of the dorsal surface of the body combined with some features of the copulatory apparatus, like the anatomy of the prostatic vesicle and the male atrium. Additionally, we propose an emendation to the diagnosis of Paraba based on characters observed in the three new species and some characteristics occurring in other species of the genus.

Особенности цветовой композиции китайской живописи и их учет в контексте подготовки студентов-художников

Painting of the Celestial Empire is a reflection of the wisdom of its people in art and characterizes the Chinese civilization as one of the most developed in the world of classical culture. The use of color in Chinese painting has been appreciated by artists for thousands of years. If artists use the visual and aesthetic psychological per-spective of color in their paintings, they can better reflect and express their true feelings, which greatly enhanc-es the artistic meaning and significance of their works, and meets the aesthetic requirements and sensory needs of modern people. Color composition is a way for artists to convey their ideas, emotions, moral and oth-er psychological feelings through color patterns and color combinations. At the same time, the use of color is subjective and emotional. In Chinese painting, artists tend to always focus on the atmosphere created by the tone of the painting, without the influence of the inherent color of the object itself. This paper will use the con-trast method to study color composition, allowing students to make full and reasonable use of the contrast be-tween the composition and color agreed upon so that the painting can enhance and emphasize the need for color effect. This paper attempts to study the basic.

A new species of social wasp from Madagascar with an inverted nest architecture (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

Ropalidia jemmaesp. nov. is described from the protected Ankafobe evergreen forest in central Madagascar. This species is characterized by a variable black and green body colour pattern and a unique nest architecture within the genus Ropalidia. The nests of this species have an inverted cell opening orientation that exposes the cell bottoms outwardly, mimics the tree bark, and provides excellent visual nest concealment.

Bias Cuts and Data Dumps

Bias Cuts and Data Dumps