Morphological variability in Lophyra flexuosa (Fabricius, 1787) (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) in desert countries is affected by sexual dimorphism and geographic aspect

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism is a common phenomenon in insects, and it may be expressed in coloration (Thornhill & Alcock, 1983), defensive secretion (Attygale et al., 1991), or morphological features as dorsal punctures (Schwerk & Jaskuła, 2018), and/or body size and body shape (Thornhill & Alcock, 1983). Sexual selection is the main factor shaping differences in the body size and body shape between males and females in insects, even if such differences depend also on food availability during larval stages (Thornhill & Alcock, 1983).On the other hand, body size can differ geographically between particular populations of one animal species, both with latitude and al-

Dung beetle populations's morphology show evidence of isolation in southern Brazil islands

“…However, its causal mechanisms remain poorly understood. Often changes in body size and shape for populations under geographic isolation suggest some degree of genetic differentiation and the existence of ecological or evolutionary processes (Camara et al., 2006; Jaskuła et al., 2021; Senczuk et al., 2014). Such changes may involve pronounced population isolation associated with inbreeding, accentuated on smaller islands to genetic drift and natural selection (Colley & Fischer, 2013), and may be related to insular climatic and environmental features (Alves et al., 2016; Franco et al., 2023; Peters, 1986; Steenkamp & Chown, 1996).…”

“…The effect of geographic isolation related to morphological changes in body size and shape is well documented for different organisms (Alvial et al, 2019;Dennison & Baker, 1991;Franco et al, 2023;Hernández-Salinas et al, 2014;Jaskuła et al, 2021;Lazzarotto et al, 2017;Ober & Connolly, 2015;Ouisse et al, 2020;Senczuk et al, 2014;Silva et al, 2008;Trevisan et al, 2014), including for insects in insular conditions (Benítez et al, 2014;Camara et al, 2006;Deidun et al, 2011;Laparie et al, 2010;Lee & Lin, 2012;Palmer, 2002;Sazali et al, 2018). Body size and shape are easily recognizable and measurable traits that can be used as proxy of physiological characteristics and life history of organisms (Mercer et al, 2001).…”