Evolutionary directional asymmetry and shape variation inDiabrotica virgifera virgifera(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): an example using hind wings

Abstract

The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte is a pest of maize in the USA and Europe and especially a problem in particular regions of Croatia. In the present study, patterns of variation in hind wing shape were examined. The first objective was to examine the influence of soil type on 10 populations of D. v. virgifera sampled from three regions in Croatia that differed according to edaphic factors and climate. The second objective was to investigate the potential evolutionary presence of directional asymmetry on hind wings. Geometric morphometrics was used to examine these objectives by quantifying the morphological variation within and among individuals and populations. Overall, D. v. virgifera hind wing shape changed according to major soil type classifications in Croatia. The three hind wing morphotypes found varied because of basal radial vein differences, related to landmarks 1, 3, 7, and 14. The findings of the present study show that hind wing shape in D. v. virgifera can be used to differentiate populations based on edaphic factors and may have application as a monitoring tool in the integrated management of D. v. virgifera. In an evolutionary context, the presence of directional asymmetry in the hind wings of D. v. virgifera adds to the ever growing data on the evolution of insect wings.

Impact of Environmental Conditions and Agrotechnical Factors on Ground Beetle Populations in Arable Crops

“…The content of humus on both locations was similar. Higher ground beetle abundance recorded at location Lukač is opposite to statements of previous researches (Barbercheck, 1992;Benitez et al, 2014;Hong et al 2007;Turpin and Peters, 1971) who found that large proportion of sand could have a negative impact on larval survival. We can conclude that pH value and soil structure have the great influence on ground beetle abundance in our survey.…”

Asymmetry Analysis of Brontispa longissima Gestro, 1885 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Metasternum Using Symmetry and Asymmetry on Geometric Data (SAGE)

“…This finding is similar to other studies of other structures particularly mouse skull [24] & humerus [25] as well as wings of several insect species coming from different families [26], [27] but first recorded in insect metasternum. The reasons for the significant right side variation in metasternum morphology in this group of populations are still yet to be elucidated.…”

“…Directional asymmetry is widely common used among animals, particularly in internal organs [32]. In contrast, external asymmetries like DA are less prevalent but might be an adaptive form of asymmetry, corresponding to optimal fitness caused by a selective pressure [26]. Further research should be done to determine whether this argument holds true for B. longgissima metasternum.…”

Effect of fruit host on wing morphology in Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae): A first view using geometric morphometrics

“…Morphology can be studied by analyzing morphometric measurements (i.e. Studies have analyzed the effects of environmental conditions on insect morphology, obtaining important information about the effects of ecological factors using geometric morphometry (GM; Benítez et al 2014aBenítez et al , 2014bLemic et al 2016;Mikac et al 2016;Lunardi et al 2017). host and growing conditions; Rohlf & Marcus 1993;Adams & Rohlf 2000;O'Higgins 2000;Henderson 2006).…”

“…shape and size) and it's changes in relation to other factors (e.g. These studies have provided evidence of developmental instability, as well as differences between biotypes regarding environmental conditions (soil type, climate and nutrition; Lemic et al 2014;Benítez et al 2014aBenítez et al , 2014b. Studies have analyzed the effects of environmental conditions on insect morphology, obtaining important information about the effects of ecological factors using geometric morphometry (GM; Benítez et al 2014aBenítez et al , 2014bLemic et al 2016;Mikac et al 2016;Lunardi et al 2017).…”