Whole genome sequencing of Heliconius atthis (4), H. ismenius (1), H. melpomene cythera (2), and H. m. plesseni (2).

The goal of this study was to trace the evolutionary history of one of the major color patterning loci in Heliconius butterflies, the K locus, that controls the distribution of yellow or white scales on Heliconius forewings. These forewing colors both warn predators that the butterfly is toxic and serve as crucial cues in mate choice. Our study identified one gene, aristaless, in the K locus that solely controls the yellow/white switch in different Heliconius species.