![]() Our results suggest that positive frequency dependent selection may be partially responsible for maintaining local signal differences, although predators seem to avoid both forewing patterns in Anchorage. Population genetic analyses from specimens caught during fieldwork showed the existence of two populations and restricted gene flow. ![]() Manipulating the level of disruptiveness in the forewing pattern did not influence predation. The locally dominant forewing type was better protected in Fairbanks, but not in Anchorage where morphs were attacked equally. We also manipulated the level of disruptiveness in the forewing patterns to see if disruptiveness works in concert with the warning signal. We placed artificial moths with both local dominant and foreign forewing patterns in each of the two regions to test if predators select against the foreign forewing types, which would suggest the warning signal function of forewing patters. Alternatively, restricted gene flow along with drift could be responsible. In Alaska, the predominant forewing pattern changes distinctly between the regions around Fairbanks and Anchorage, suggesting local predators may maintain differences if the pattern functions as a warning signal. It also has conspicuous black and white forewing patterns that could act as warning signals, or help to hide the moth by preventing predators from seeing the outline of the moth’s body (a strategy known as disruptive coloration). The wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis) occurs across the Holarctic and its conspicuous hindwings serve as warning signals to predators. Aposematic organisms have warning signals advertising their unpalatability to predators, and because signal efficiency is better in higher densities, positive frequency-dependent selection is expected to select against less common signals. ![]()
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