A Red-eyed Mutant of Papilio zelicaon (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Abstract

A red-eyed mutant was isolated in the swallowtail butterfly Papilio zelicaon Lucas. The mutant is inherited as an autosomal recessive to wild type (black) eye color. Associated pleiotropic effects in the form of structural deformities and abnormal pupal color were observed. Mating success of males was decreased. Sex ratios were altered; the numbers of the heterogametic sex (♀) decreased. It was concluded that the mutant was semilethal.