# A long noncoding RNA at the cortex locus controls adaptive coloration in butterflies

*PRI Rank #8 · Topics and Trends in Most Cited Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy Papers, Class of 2026*

*Canonical URL: https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/lepidoptera-biology-and-taxonomy/2026/rank-8*

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Rank | #8 |
| 18m citations | 23 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |
| Year | 2024 |
| DOI | 10.1073/pnas.2403326121 |
| Corresponding authors | Luca Livraghi, Chris D. Jiggins, Arnaud Martin |
| Institution | The George Washington University, United States |

**Ranking page:** [Topics and Trends in Most Cited Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy Papers, Class of 2026](https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/lepidoptera-biology-and-taxonomy/2026)

**Paper link:** [10.1073/pnas.2403326121](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2403326121)

## Topics

cortex locus · long noncoding RNA · ivory long noncoding RNA · wing pigmentation · Color polymorphism · Melanic wing patterns · scale identity · CRISPR mosaic knockout · Nymphalidae · Vanessa cardui · germline mutants · dark pigmented scales · white scales · pupal development · adaptive coloration · crypsis · Mimicry · Lepidoptera

## Cite this ranking

```
Pepkio Research Index (PRI). Topics and Trends in Most Cited Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy Papers, Class of 2026. https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/lepidoptera-biology-and-taxonomy/2026. Accessed 2026-10-29.

Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459
```