Hyperdivergent haplotypes control melanic camouflage in a polymorphic moth
Luca Livraghi, Jordan L Cassily, Mallory Brayer, Alexander Carter, Jasmine D Alqassar, Sheina B. Sim, Scott M. Geib, Joseph J. Hanly, Arnaud Martin
This study identifies the ivory:mir-193 locus as a major determinant of melanic color variation in Anticarsia gemmatalis moths, showing that divergent haplotypes and regulatory elements control dark morph pigmentation.
bioRxiv · May 21, 2026 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology