Evolutionary Insights from the Curious Moth and Butterflies

The nocturnal moth Dryocampa rubicunda and the diurnal Anisota share a split lineage influenced by the disco gene, shaping their day-night behaviors differently. While Dryocampa invested in the sense of smell, Anisota focused on vision.

This evolutionary divergence occurred without geographic isolation. Understanding genetic adaptations like this is crucial amid species decline, aiding genetic engineering efforts for environmental challenges.