Variation in spectral reflectance of alpine and arctic Colias (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Abstract

Arctic and alpine species of the lepidopteran genus Colias (Pieridae) were collected in northern and western Canada and, utilizing reflectance spectrophotometry, the variations in their dorsal and ventral reflectance values were quantified from the infrared through ultraviolet. Variation in ventral colouration seems closely correlated with gradients of both latitude and altitude, possibly indicating selection for thermoregulatory requirements; dorsal colour variation is related to species and sexual differences.