Morph‐specific differences in metabolism related to flight in the wing‐dimorphicAphis gossypii

Abstract

Abstract The cotton aphid,Aphis gossypiiGlover, is a wing‐dimorphic species, which causes globally important agricultural losses. In this present study, we compared the biochemical basis of wing polymorphism inA. gossypiiwith respect to trade‐off of energy resources, including glycogen, trehalose, lipids (total lipid, triglyceride and phospholipid), free fatty acids, and soluble protein between dispersal and reproduction morphs during the wing‐bud nymph and adulthood. Total lipid, triglyceride and free fatty acids were significantly higher in winged versus wingless morphs at 12 h of adulthood, the period during which alates are able to fly. By contrast, the wingless morph contained more glycogen than the winged morph from the 4th nymphal stage to adulthood. Trehalose content in the wingless morph was also higher than that in the winged morph during the 3rd and 4th nymphal stages, butvice versaat 12 h of adulthood. Finally, soluble protein content increased from nymphs to adults and was higher during adulthood in aptera versus alate. Whole‐body water content in 12‐h adults was significantly higher in apterae than that in alatae. These results indicate significant physiological differences between morphs related to specialization for flight.