Mutualisms within light microhabitats drive sensory convergence in a mimetic butterfly community

Abstract

Niche partitioning within variable habitats can expose species to distinct sensory information. Vision is the primary sensory modality used by many animals to interact with their habitat. However, within diurnal terrestrial ecosystems, little is known if, and how, variation in light environments impact species assemblages and visual system evolution. By studying a diverse, sympatric community of mimetic butterflies, we demonstrate that forest architecture creates a mosaic of light microhabitats that drive adaptive sensory convergence and divergence in both peripheral and central sensory systems. Our study provides insights into the dynamic response of visual systems when confronted with similar ecological challenges, and illustrates the wide-reaching consequences of interspecific mutualisms, such as mimicry, on organismal evolution.