Gynandromorph
and other Morph's
Not a scientist? That's OK. I was so fascinated with Gynandromorph but to understand it I had to go back to the basics - Morphology. Let's start with understanding the definition of Morphism and build from this.
Morphism
Morphism is a suffix meaning the condition of having of specified shape or the state of having a form. Morphe in Greek translates to 'Form'.
Morphology
Morphology is the study of form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features. This is the gross structure, including internal parts such as organs and outward appearance - the shape, patterns and color. Don't confuse this with Physiology which deals primarily with function.
Polymorphism
Morphism is the quality of having a specific shape or form. Polymorphism is the existence of one or more than one form of morph. The quick definition is differences in butterflies appearances.
This is very common in nature. For polymorphism the 'morph's' must occupy the same habitat at the same time. Its function is to retain variety of form. This happens with random mating.
These differences can also be due to geographic location or seasonal which is discussed in the paragraphs that follow.
Polymorphism can also be that many species have females in multiple forms, often with mimetic forms. This then becomes directly related to genetic variation and adaptation. The genetic variation is most commonly known as sexual dimorphism.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual Dimorphism is where males and females within the same species have different colors, shapes and patterns. This is widespread in butterflies.
These differences can be striking and dramatic. Sometimes these patterns can be seen only by butterflies in ultra-violet reflectivity; Otherwise appearing identical to humans.
One example is the female Archduke butterfly overall is black and yellow. The male Archduke is black with bright blue edge on its hind wing.
Another example is shown in the pictures below. These two
butterflies on top row are Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtails.
 |
 |
This picture is the Male Eastern Tiger Butterfly.
Gynandromorph:
Greek and broken down is:
gyne = female,
andro = male,
morph = form.
Gynandromorph is a genetic abnormality very distinctive in butterfly species. Both male and female characteristics are found in one butterfly because of faulty cell division creating obvious visual combinations of the two sexes.
Below the first two pictures are a female,
then male Papilio Swallowtail.
 |
 |
Combine the female and male DNA together and you will see a Gynandromorph as pictured below.
Environmental Polymorphism
Geographic Polymorphism
This is where geographic isolation causes a branching off of butterfly species into different morphs. An example of this is the Apollo Butterfly. These butterflies live in small populations and have little contact with each other and therefore unable to breed between populations. It has been recorded that there are over 600 different morphs that have formed.
Seasonal Polymorphism
This same darker butterfly can be a result of those familiar with wet-seasoned areas. They show an ability to absorb solar radiation.
It's not thoroughly understood why seasons effect butterflies genetics. It is noted that often times species have females in multiple forms.
Related Articles:
Other interesting forms of defense.
Back from Gynandromorph to home page Easy Butterfly Garden
Copyright © 2010-2022 Easy-Butterfly-Garden.com
Privacy Policy Disclaimer
Join Easy Butterfly Garden on Facebook
Recent Articles
-
Annual Bluegrass
Jan 14, 17 08:14 PM
Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is considered a weed in the Poa family, which has a few popular turf grasses. If this gets into your butterfly garden listed are a few ways to eradicate it.
-
Candytuft Flowers
Sep 25, 16 10:54 PM
There are the annual, or Iberis, candytuft flowers and also perennials which are called Iberis sempervirens.
-
Keeping Deer Out
Sep 19, 16 01:10 PM
Reviewing the types of products available for keeping deer out of our gardens along with building fences. Many of these products help with other garden pests.
-
Butterfly Meadows
Sep 19, 16 12:52 PM
Compared to other wildlife gardening, butterfly meadows take time and are not for the faint of heart.
-
Natural Gardening
Sep 19, 16 12:32 PM
Natural gardening includes different types of gardens. These garden types create a casual, natural envirionment and help sustain native wildlife which includes butterflies.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.