Butterfly mimics of ants

摘要

Large blue butterflies are notable for their rarity and ability to dupe ants, and they are endangered. A genetic reconstruction of how social parasitism evolved among them will overturn conservation priorities. Ants are such formidable predators thatperhaps 100,000 other species of insect have evolved mechanisms to coexist with them. Adaptations include armour to resist attack, mimicry to avoid detection, and secretions such as honeydew to feed or appease them. In general, both partners benefit: inreturn for honeydew, the ants protect aphids from enemies. But natural selection can also favour cheats. It is a short evolutionary step from possessing the attributes to live safely among ants to deploying them against a colony.