RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Mutualisms within light microhabitats drive sensory convergence in a mimetic butterfly community JF bioRxiv FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory SP 2024.08.16.607924 DO 10.1101/2024.08.16.607924 A1 Wainwright, J. Benito A1 Loupasaki, Theodora A1 Ramírez, Francisco A1 Penry Williams, Iestyn L. A1 England, Sam J. A1 Barker, Annalie A1 Meier, Joana I. A1 How, Martin J. A1 Roberts, Nicholas W. A1 Troscianko, Jolyon A1 Montgomery, Stephen H. YR 2024 UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2024/10/01/2024.08.16.607924.abstract AB 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.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.