摘要：SummaryIn mostPapiliospecies, a younger larva mimics bird droppings but changes its pattern to match host plant colors in its final instar. This change is determined by juvenile hormone (JH) during the JH-sensitive period (JHSP) early in the fourth instar. Recently, we found that homeobox genes control the pre-pattern formation specifically during JHSP, but the molecular mechanisms underlying final patterning and pigmentation at molt are unknown. By knockdown ofDeltaandNotchinPapilio xuthuslarvae, we here showed that these genes define the edge and pigmentation area in final patterns, during and even after JHSP, suggesting that they bridge the JHSP and molt. Knockdown ofDeltainPapilio machaonled to similar phenotypic changes, and knockdown ofNotchcaused pigmentation loss in twin spots of the silkwormMultilunar(L) mutant. Our findings suggest the importance of the Notch signaling pathway in caterpillars' adaptive evolution of color pattern formation.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Notch and its ligand Delta regulate camouflage patterns of caterpillars•They define edge and pigmentation area inPapilio xuthusfinal larval patterns•They are suggested to bridge the juvenile hormone response period and final molt•Notch signaling pathway is important for caterpillars' color pattern evolutionBiological Sciences; Developmental Genetics; Developmental Biology
