Pigmentation and color pattern diversity in Odonata

The order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) comprises diurnal insects with well-developed vision, showing diverse colors in adult wings and bodies. It is one of the most ancestral winged insect groups. Because Odonata species use visual cues to recognize each other, color patterns have been investigated from ecological and evolutionary viewpoints. Here we review the recent progress on molecular mechanisms of pigmentation, especially focused on light-blue coloration. Results from histology and pigment analysis showed that ommochrome pigments on the proximal layer and pteridine pigments on the distal layer of the epidermis are essential for light-blue coloration. We also summarize genes involved in the biosynthesis of three major insect pigments conserved across insects and discuss that gene-functional analysis deserves future studies.

Automated summary

The order Odonata is a group of ancient winged insects that use visual cues to recognize each other, with the molecular mechanisms of pigmentation, particularly light-blue coloration, playing a crucial role. Results from histology and pigment analysis show that specific pigments are essential for the light-blue coloration, and further gene-functional analysis is needed for future studies.