Do larvae evolve the same way as adults in Tingidae (Insecta: Heteroptera)?

Abstract

A recent cladistic analysis showed that adult traits of Tingidae, which exhibit a great variety of shapes, evolved homoplastically from simple to complex (Guilbert, 2001). These complex traits, often exaggerated, were hypothesized to be adaptive. However, this study, as well as another by Lis (1999), both based on adult morphology, contradict the traditional classification of Tingidae. A new analysis is performed here, that includes larval characters, which, like those of adults, have a great variety of shapes. The results corroborate the traditional classification of the Tingidae. No clear divisions among Tinginae are drawn from the analysis, but an evolutionary pattern of shapes among Tingidae emerges from this study. There is a global tendency for larval traits to evolve convergently from simple to complex, as suggested for adults. The pattern seen in adult and larval traits is independent, but consistent. These traits can be used in the same anti-predation context, but with different roles.

Novelties from a cave lace bug (Heteroptera, Tingidae): first nymphal description with a discussion on the morphological patterns of Vianaidinae immatures

“…Nevertheless, the position of the scent glands opening, the scape not surpassing the apex of clypeus and the absence of cephalic, abdominal and thoracic (both lateral and dorsal) tubercles are the most remarkable features presented by both T. vanderdrifti and A. coleopteratus nymphs. Although there are some genera within Tingidae which have nymphs without any tubercle (e. g., Atheas insignis Heidmann, 1909-Guilbert, 2005 and some with short scape (Dictyonota strichnocera Fieber, 1844 -Guilbert, 2004), the position of the scent gland opening seems to be an unique character for vianaidines within Tingidae.…”

“…It is believed that the remarkable morphology of the exaggerated outgrowths of some lace bugs nymphs has evolved from simple to complex in a similar pattern observed in the adult morphology (Guilbert, 2004). Regardless the importance of immature descriptions, contributions about this life stage in Tingidae are not very common, especially when all the stadia are considered (GuiDoti & barcelloS, 2013).…”

“…Tingidae immatures, specially nymphs, were recently target of evolutionary studies and phylogenetic analyses (Guilbert, 2004;Guilbert et al, 2008). It is believed that the remarkable morphology of the exaggerated outgrowths of some lace bugs nymphs has evolved from simple to complex in a similar pattern observed in the adult morphology (Guilbert, 2004).…”

Tingidae (Insecta, Heteroptera) from the Argentinan Yungas: new records and descriptions of selected fifth instars

“…In recent phylogenetic studies of Tingidae (Guilbert 2001(Guilbert , 2004b, the lack of pronotal and hemelytral expansions in adults, as well as the lack of outgrowths in larvae, were hypothesized as plesiomorphic conditions. On the other hand, complex outgrowths on larvae and adults were hypothesized as apomorphic, and probably are related to predator protection and brood care (Guilbert 2004b). In our study, we did not find any evidence of brood protection by adults of V. manihotae during fieldwork.…”

“…The taxonomy of the family is based mostly on external morphological structures (Guilbert 2004a), and adults and nymphs may show strikingly elaborated tegumental ornamentations (Guilbert 2001(Guilbert , 2004b.…”