Scottsdale Public Library: The How and Why of Butterfly Coloration

The spectacular diversity and richness of the coloration of butterflies has for centuries captivated both scientists and non-scientists alike. In this talk Dr. Ron Rutowski will first overview scientific efforts to understand the mechanisms and developmental processes that are involved in the production of coloration during the life of an individual butterfly. Then he will discuss the many and fascinating ways that coloration may, from one generation to the next, enhance butterfly survival and reproduction, in other words, color’s function and evolution in butterflies. Work with butterflies has contributed greatly to the development of explanations that help us better understand coloration in all animals. Speaker, Dr. Ron Rutowski, president of the Central Arizona Butterfly Association Capacity is limited, first come first serve. No registration or sign up required.