Some genetic anomalies and melanism (Papilio glaucus)

[Trehopr1]

Recently, whilst looking over a fabulous collection
of western swallowtail species/subspecies I came
across an odd (singular) box from another collector
who was from Ohio.

Inside that box I spied some 9 specimens of Papilio
glaucus which were (1st brood/spring form) examples
that had been collected in 2013. ALL were caught over
a 3 week period and all exhibited differing genetic
anomalies or some un-typical color excess or melanism.

Generally, they were spread (OK) by my standards (but, they
would look better if I did them); and shown below is the place
of capture and time frame of the collecting period.

All in all really unique specimens, a very unusual set of circumstances
(to get 9 over 3 weeks),and very worthy scientifically to see just how
complicated a species like Papilio glaucus can be.....

Below, I am showing the best/most unusual of the 9 specimens.

1st up (Genetic anomaly)



2nd up (Melanism)



3rd up (Genetic anomaly)



4th up (Heavy Melanism)



Last picture (Relevent data)



So, this goes to show that unusual specimens of
Papilio glaucus can be found across ALL the broods
found between mid-May through late August. It is just
a matter of the right set of circumstances "alighning"
to produce singular "oddities" a field man revels in !

[Chuck]

Tigers have been shown to pass environmentally induced genetic aberrations down. So likely a parent was aberrant.

The other cause, which should not apply to this location, is when the species overlap. Notably, where glaucus and canadensis meet, where rutulus and canadensis meet, and where glaucus meets whatever the all yellow race is. The latter differs in that the most common aberration is the partially dark female.