A novel terpene synthase controls differences in anti-aphrodisiac pheromone production between closely related Heliconius butterflies

Plants and insects often use the same compounds for chemical communication, but not much is known about genetics of convergent evolution signals. The terpene ( E )-?-ocimene a common component floral scent also used by butterfly Heliconius melpomene as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone. While biosynthesis terpenes has been described in plants microorganisms, few synthases (TPSs) have identified insects. Here, we study recent divergence 2 species, H . cydno , which differ presence )-?-ocimene; combining linkage mapping, gene expression, functional analyses, identify novel TPSs. Furthermore, demonstrate that one, HmelOS, able to synthesise vitro. We find no evidence TPS activity HcydOS (HmelOS ortholog ), suggesting loss this species result coding, regulatory, differences. enzymes discovered are unrelated previously plant insect TPSs, demonstrating convergence independent evolutionary origins.