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We study the evolution of diversity and adaptation, using colour patterns in butterflies as a model. Butterflies have very diverse colour patterns with clear adaptive functions such as camouflage, sexual signalling, thermoregulation, or advertisement to predators. We are now just starting to discover how gene networks underlie pattern formation and its natural variation. This provides the tools towards a better understanding of the evolution of adaptive traits, and their importance from individual physiology to the shaping of entire communities. Updated 22/9/2009 Photo M. Joron