Abstract

Abstract Two morphological forms of petioles and two morphological forms of cauda are defined respectively based on discrete morphological study of the male cauda and petiole in 22 species belonging to four subgenera, Arrenurus, Micruracarus, Megaluracarus and Truncaturus of the genus Arrenurus. The relationships between the 22 species were studied with a cladistic analysis using 29 morphological characters. The results show that there appear to be six phylogenetic lines in male cauda and petiole of the genus. It is considered that the development of male cauda, petiole and IV-L-4 spur, is driven by behavioural evolution of reproductive mechanism from non-mating (indirect sperm transfer) to mating (direct sperm transfer). The possible evolutionary line(s) and relationships between forms of male cauda and petiole are discussed in detail and illustrated. The results of the cladistic analysis support the monophyly of the genus Arrenurus but do not support the present subgeneric classification of the genus. B...

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.