Ultrabithorax Is a Micromanager of Hindwing Identity in Butterflies and Moths

The forewings and hindwings of butterflies moths (Lepidoptera) are differentiated from each other, with segment-specific morphologies color patterns that mediate a wide range functions in flight, signaling, protection. Hox gene Ultrabithorax ( Ubx ) is master selector differentiates metathoracic mesothoracic identities across winged insects, previous work has shown this role extends to at least some the butterfly hindwing. Here we used CRISPR targeted mutagenesis generate loss-of-function somatic mutations two nymphalid Junonia coenia , Vanessa cardui pyralid moth Plodia interpunctella ). resulting mosaic clones yielded hindwing-to-forewing transformations, showing necessary for specifying many aspects hindwing-specific identities, including scale morphologies, patterns, wing venation structure. These homeotic phenotypes showed cell-autonomous, sharp transitions between mutant non-mutant scales, except encroached into border ocelli (eyespots) resulted composite non-autonomous effects on eyespot ring determination. In moth, converted folding depigmented hindwing rigid pigmented composites, affected wing-coupling frenulum, induced ectopic scent-scales male androconia. data confirm lepidopteran identity suggest it acts regulatory networks involved development patterning.