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Plasticity for the win: Flexible transcriptional response to host plant switches in the comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
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  • Katharina Schneider,
  • Rachel Steward,
  • Maria de la Paz Celorio-Mancera,
  • Niklas Janz,
  • Dick Moberg,
  • Christopher Wheat,
  • Sören Nylin
Katharina Schneider
Stockholm University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Rachel Steward
Stockholm University
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Maria de la Paz Celorio-Mancera
Stockholm University
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Niklas Janz
Stockholm University
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Dick Moberg
Stockholm University
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Christopher Wheat
Stockholm University
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Sören Nylin
Stockholm University
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Abstract

Generalist butterflies are characterized by a broad host repertoire that can comprise several families or even different orders of plants. The genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying the use of such a wide host range are still not fully understood. Earlier studies indicate that the consumption of different host plants is associated with host-specific gene expression profiles. It remained, however, unclear if and how larvae can alter these profiles in the case of a changing host environment. Using the polyphagous comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) we show that larvae can adjust their transcriptional profiles in response to a new host plant. The switch to some of the host plants, however, resulted in a larger transcriptional response and, thus, seems to be more challenging. At a physiological level, no correspondence for these patterns could be found in larval performance. This suggests that a high transcriptional but also phenotypic flexibility are essential for the use of a broad and diverse host range. We furthermore propose that host switch tests in the laboratory followed by transcriptomic investigations can be a valuable tool to examine not only plasticity in host use but also subtle and/or transient trade-offs in the evolution of host plant repertoires. key words: insect-plant association, host plant adaptation, gene expression, phenotypic plasticity
21 Feb 2024Submission Checks Completed
21 Feb 2024Assigned to Editor
21 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Feb 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 May 20241st Revision Received
31 May 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending