Evolution of the olfactory system during the radiation of Heliconiini butterflies

Sensory system evolution plays a crucial role in shaping species’ interactions with their environment, yet the extent to which olfactory system diversity reflects ecological and evolutionary pressures at a macroevolutionary scale remains unclear. Here, we investigate the evolution of the olfactory system across the Heliconiini butterfly tribe, an ecologically diverse but closely related group. Using a comparative approach, we examined variation in antennal lobe morphology and its constituent structures, the glomeruli and antennal lobe hub, as well as odourant receptor repertoires across species. We found that antennal lobe size variation is driven by independent shifts in glomerular and antennal lobe hub volumes, with species-specific differences occurring against a backdrop of broader phylogenetic stability. While no direct associations with ecological traits were observed, certain species showed large expansions in total glomerular volume and odourant receptor numbers, warranting further investigation into unmeasured ecological or behavioural factors. Additionally, comparisons between wild-caught and insectary-reared individuals revealed a surprising pattern of developmental plasticity, with antennal lobe hub volumes increasing and glomeruli volumes decreasing in captivity, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions on neural development. These findings suggest that olfactory evolution in Heliconiini is shaped by both evolutionary divergence and developmental plasticity, emphasizing the need to integrate phylogenetic, ecological, and developmental perspectives to fully understand sensory system adaptation.