Adult Morphology Research Articles

Phylogenetic analysis of rove beetle subfamily Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) based on the morphology of preimaginal stages, with description of larva and pupa of Algon sphaericollis

Staphylininae, a highly diverse subfamily of rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), has been the subject of numerous phylogenetic studies primarily based on molecular genetics and adult morphology. This work represents an initiation of phylogenetic studies using complete immature morphology, encompassing eggs, larvae and pupae, for 27 genera of Staphylininae and two outgroups. Our findings indicate that the combination of data from all three immature stages is more phylogenetically informative than the larval data alone. The resulting maximum parsimony tree partially aligns with previous research, although certain tribal-level issues remain unresolved. Through morphological comparisons, we revealed the morphological diversity of protibia, paratergites and parasternites of abdominal segment I as examples of parallel and mosaic evolution within Staphylininae larvae. We conducted detailed character analyses to provide explanations for these phenomena. Furthermore, this study provides the first morphological data for several species of Staphylinini. Notably, we present a comprehensive study of the morphology of immature stages of Algon sphaericollis Schillhammer, 2006, the first species of the recently established subtribe Algonina with known larva. Additionally, we provide the larval morphology data for six other species: Eucibdelus sp., Platydracus pseudopaganus pseudopatricius (Müller, 1926), Platydracus marmorellus (Fauvel, 1895), Saniderus cooteri Rougemont, 2015, Saniderus sp., and Philonthus spinipes Sharp, 1874.

Heat domes increase vulnerability of native stingless bees by simultaneously weakening key survival traits

Heatwave events increase in frequency and duration, yet there is a strong gap in assessing their nonlethal effects on tropical insects, including beneficial social species. The stingless bees are a highly diverse group of pantropical pollinators that provide key ecosystem services. Here, we simultaneously analyzed for the first time the effect of sublethal heat stress (HS) during immature (pupal) development on adult morphology (size, shape, symmetry) and immune response of the three castes/sexes in stingless bee colonies: workers, unmated queens (gynes) and males, as well as its impact on the onset of foraging and lifespan in workers. Individuals experimentally heat stressed during development had smaller body size and reduced symmetry as adults compared with control, non-heat stressed (NHS) individuals, though the strength of the effects of HS also varied between castes and sexes. Notably, males were more prone to the effects of HS compared with workers, and less so gynes; HS reduced the immune response of males, though not that of workers or queens. Workers had significantly earlier onset of foraging and a shorter lifespan when exposed as immatures to HS. Under a worst-case scenario, knock-on negative impacts on individual survival caused by HS could compromise colony fitness. In the long-term, heatwaves may also have repercussions for the persistence of stingless bee species, the sustainability of key ancestral activities like meliponiculture and ecosystem services. Measures to ameliorate the effect of climatic warming are urgently needed to protect these pollinators, which represent an iconic world heritage.

Identification of Dipteran species inhabiting Tuber aestivum (the summer truffle) ascomata.

Tuber spp. (Ascomycota) forms hypogeous fruiting bodies (truffles) that host many microbial species as well as invertebrates which feed on them. Despite the larvae and adults of Diptera and Coleoptera are commonly found to inhabit truffles, molecular investigations assessing their occurrence are still few and the number of species is probably underestimated. In this study, 52 larvae and adults of Diptera from 23T. aestivum ascomata collected in two provinces of northern and central Italy were molecularly characterized. The sequences fell into four Diptera families, and four taxa were identified as Cheilosia soror, Phaonia cf. trimaculata, Drosophila subobscura, and Suillia gigantea. Morphology of adults belonging to these species confirmed their identity. Additional three taxa belonging to the Helomyzidae remained unclassified. The study highlighted the coexistence of different Diptera species in the same ascoma, suggesting potential lack of competitive exclusion. Geographical distribution analysis reveals non-site specificity for most species. This research contributes insights into the diversity of Dipteran species and their interactions with truffles and lays the groundwork for their monitoring, at a time where truffle resources are threatened by anthropic and environmental factors.

Chaetotaxy of the fourth larval stage of Pintomyia longiflocosa, a primary vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia.

Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) longiflocosa is an endemic species from Colombia, found between the central and eastern Andes, and reported as one of the primary vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in coffee-growing zones of the country. This species is classified in the Townsendi series and can only be identified by the morphology of the male adults. To determine the potential use of the fourth larval stage of the vector Pi. longiflocosa in morphological taxonomy based on the description of its chaetotaxy. Pintomyia longiflocosa adults were captured in Campoalegre, Huila, and reared in the Entomology Laboratory at the Colombian Instituto Nacional de Salud. To identify the setae found in each corporal segment, 15 fourth-instar larvae were mounted on microscope slides using Canadian balm after being cleared with 10 % potassium hydroxide and saturated phenol. Additionally, five specimens were prepared for their observation by scanning electron microscopy. Based on the description of Pi. longiflocosa, we established that all species of the subgenus Pifanomyia so far described have the same antennal morphology and clavate setae along their body. However, various setae present in Pi. longiflocosa are absent in Pi. youngi, suggesting differences among the larvae of the Townsendi series. These results support the potential importance of morphological characters from the fourth larval instar, such as antennal morphology and chaetotaxy, specifically in closely related species that are cryptic in their adult stages.

Influence of captive breeding environment on the locomotor performance and metabolism of the threatened Alcatraz Snouted Treefrog, Ololygon alcatraz

AbstractEx situ conservation is a complementary strategy to in situ efforts and is vital for safeguarding endangered species through maintenance and breeding in captivity with potential for reintroductions into natural environments. However, it is crucial to recognize that prolonged captivity can lead to diminished abilities of organisms over generations. Factors linked to the impact of phenotypic plasticity during development, such as restricted movement, may affect organism performance during ex situ conservation efforts, potentially making reintroduction into the wild unfeasible. Consequently, it is imperative to analyze physiological differences between captive‐bred and wild individuals. Therefore, this study investigates how captivity influences locomotor performance, morphology, and metabolic capacities of adults and juveniles of the threatened treefrog Ololygon alcatraz, in comparison to natural populations. We obtained proportional measurements of individuals and assessed their locomotor performance through jumping exercise. We also measured the metabolic capacities of the frogs by examining the activity of enzymes involved in energetic metabolic pathways in their skeletal muscle fibers. We found that wild adult frogs had larger limbs, greater jumping abilities, and a more glycolytic profile, while captive adult frogs had smaller limbs and increased aerobic enzyme activity compared to their wild counterparts. These differences probably arise from phenotypic plasticity in ontogenetic development that differs between captive and natural environments, as juveniles do not show such differences. These results highlight the need for innovative strategies in managing captive O. alcatraz populations, which will aid in their successful translocation to the wild and strengthen ex situ conservation efforts.

NompC regulates locomotion and touch sensation in Bactrocera dorsalis.

No mechanoreceptor potential C (NompC) is a major mechanotransduction channel with an important role in sensing of external mechanical stimuli by insects, which help these organisms to avoid injury and adapt to environmental changes. To explore the biological functions of NompC in Bactrocera dorsalis, a notorious agricultural pest, we successfully generated NompC knockout strains using clustered regularly interspaced small palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) technology. BdorNompC knockout led to an adult lethal phenotype, with approximately 100% mortality at 3 d after eclosion. Morphological observation revealed that the legs and wings of BdorNompC knockout insects were deformed, while behavioral assays showed that the locomotion was impaired in both adults and larvae, relative to that of the wild-type strain. Moreover, BdorNompC knockout reduced gentle-touch response in larvae. These results suggest that BdorNompC is critical for B. dorsalis survival, and that this mechanosensation channel represents a potential new target for pest control agents. Our findings also represent novel evidence indicating that insect NompC is involved in modulating adult wing and leg morphology.

A new species of Acossus Dyar (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) establishes diurnal flight in New World carpenter-moths

Synthetic pheromones formulated for Acossus centerensis Lintner, 1877 led to the discovery of a new taxonomically cryptic species, Acossus boreocryptus Schmidt & Jaeger sp. nov. Adult males were active only during the daytime, exceptional among cossid moths, and the first documented case of diurnality in New World Cossidae. Males were attracted to lures baited with (E,E) 3,5-tetradecadienyl acetate (EE-TDDA). The larval host plant of A. boreocryptus is trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx., but the immature stages remain undescribed. Acossus boreocryptus is the smallest species in the genus, distinguished from its sister species A. centerensis by adult morphology, mtDNA barcode, male diurnal activity, and seasonal phenology.

New record of Phylloteles hyalipennis (Baranov, 1934) (Diptera: Miltogramminae) from North India, with morphology, life cycle and SEM study of immature stages

ObjectivesFirst time from North India, the immature stages of a species of the genus Phylloteles Loew, 1844, are described, with a redescription of the adults. The research explored the morphological characteristics and distribution of Phylloteles hyalipennis (Baranov, 1934) from India. This study aims to enhance species identification and potentially revise classification of this scientifically important group. MethodsGravid females of this species were collected from the decomposing chicken meat from the Union territory Jammu and Kashmir (India), and larvae were reared under optimal conditions to get a pure colony. The immature stages were examined under light as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM). ResultsThe results included descriptions of adult morphology, systematic classification, and detailed analysis of immature stages. The Pseudocephalon, maxillary palpus, anterior and posterior spiracles, and variations of thoracic and abdominal segments, anal region, and details of cephaloskeleton of immatures were utilized as key characters for species identification in case of immature stages and presented along with illustrations. ConclusionThe study provides valuable insights into the poorly understood larval morphology of Miltogramminae, specifically in Oriental taxa. This information can stipulate new characteristics for species identification in case of immature stages and enhances systematics of Indian Sarcophagidae.

Systematics of Apatelodidae Neumoegen & Dyar, 1894 (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea) based on molecular and morphological data.

Apatelodidae is a family of New World bombycoids distributed mainly in the Neotropical region, with 14 genera, 222 valid species and 8 subspecies. These moths are medium-sized with a wingspan ranging from 2 to 8cm, generally greyish, straw-yellow or reddish-brown, with darker spots and lines on the dorsal side of the wings. We combine adult morphology and molecular data to test, under a probabilistic framework, the monophyly of apatelodid genera and the placement of Tamphana (Bombycidae). We sampled the type species of 12 of the 14 valid genera of Apatelodidae, including the type species of synonymised genera. We sampled ~75% of the species from all valid genera in the family and outgroups from Bombycidae, Brahmaeidae, Eupterotidae and Phiditiidae, totalling 195 terminals. Examination of the specimens resulted in a matrix of 138 morphological characters (116 from male; 22 from female) from the head (7 from male; 1 from female), thorax (37 from male; 4 from female), abdomen (5 from male) and genitalia (66 from male; 17 from female). For the molecular analyses, we used four genes: DDC (647bp) for 14% of terminals; CAD (2486bp) for 23% of terminals, Wgl (409bp) for 38% of terminals and COI (658bp) for 75% of terminals. Species of Tamphana were recovered in Apatelodidae as two independent clades. The genera Arotros , Crastolliana , Drepatelodes , Pantelodes , and Prothysana were recovered as monophyletic. The remaining apatelodid genera were polyphyletic. We propose a new genus-level classification: Tamphana is transferred to Apatelodidae; 16 new genera are proposed: Aymara gen. nov. , Campesina gen. nov. , Caribas gen. nov. , Cecile gen. nov. , Kaweskar gen. nov. , Lempira gen. nov. , Misak gen. nov. , Mocambo gen. nov. , Nhanderu gen. nov. , Peabiru gen. nov. , Raoni gen. nov. , Tapuia gen. nov. , Tibira gen. nov. , Tupac gen. nov. , Tuyvae gen. nov. and Zapata gen. nov. Two new species are described: Mocambo lauracensis sp. nov. , and Nhanderu takua sp. nov. We revalidate the genus Hygrochroa stat. rev. and three species: Carnotena perlineata stat. rev., Tupac bombycina stat. rev., comb. nov. and Zanola vivax stat. rev. Overall, we propose 82 new generic combinations, synonymise 16 species, and restore the status of 3 species: Apatelodes floramia stat. rest. , Carnotena rectilinea comb. nov. , stat. rest. and Ephoria nubilosa stat. rest. Additionally, we summarise data on the natural history and distribution of each Apatelodidae species. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:254AA924-30B3-48A8-AB15-CCF2745C3B8E.

A snow-dwelling tropical butterfly? An unprecedented discovery of a new genus of the Pedaliodes clade in an extreme, high-altitude Andean environment (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

Abstract A new genus of satyrine butterflies, Nivaliodes gen. nov., is described for three species, all new: Nivaliodes negrobueno sp. nov., Nivaliodes viracocha sp. nov., and Nivaliodes puriq sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), with the support of molecular data and adult morphology. A target enrichment-based phylogeny indicates that Nivaliodes gen. nov. is sister to the genus Pherepedaliodes within an extremely diverse Pedaliodes clade of the predominantly Andean subtribe Pronophilina. Although an overwhelming majority of species of this group occur in tropical montane forests, N. negrobueno sp. nov. was discovered in a central Peruvian desert puna at some 4600–4800 m a.s.l., the highest elevation reported for any species of the Pronophilina. Individuals were observed overflying rocky slopes and resting directly on snow-covered surfaces, which is an exceptionally unusual behaviour among butterflies. The other two species of the new genus were found at lower elevations, some 3300–4200 m a.s.l., at the timberline and in puna grassland.

Morphological Study of Left-Right Head Asymmetry in Doubledaya bucculenta (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Languriinae).

Left-right asymmetry in paired organs is well documented across various species, including the claws of fiddler crabs and snail-eating snakes' dentition. However, the mechanisms underlying these asymmetries remain largely elusive. This study investigates Doubledaya bucculenta (Coleoptera: Erotylidae), a lizard beetle species known for pronounced left-sided asymmetry in adult female mandible and gena. Given that insect mouthparts comprise multiple functionally significant appendages, we aimed to clarify the degree of asymmetry extending beyond the mandibles and genae. Phenotypic morphology was assessed through trait measurement and asymmetry index calculations. Our detailed morphometric analyses revealed left-longer asymmetry not only in mandibles and genae but also in maxillae and labium. Notably, the degree of asymmetry in other mouthparts was generally less pronounced compared to that in outer mandibles, suggesting a potential influence of left mandible development on other mouthparts. Additionally, male mandibles exhibited region-specific asymmetry, potentially indicative of constrained evolutionary adaptations. This study enhances a comprehensive understanding of adult phenotype morphology and offers insights into the developmental basis of asymmetrical mouthparts.

Nutrition affects larval survival and the development of morphological traits in male and female flour beetles, but genital size and shape remains canalised.

The caloric content and macronutrient ratio of diet consumed is a major source of phenotypic variation in most animal populations. While these nutritional effects have been well-documented for a variety of life-history and morphological traits, the effects of nutrition on male genitals are poorly understood but genitals are thought to be more canalised than general morphology and hence less susceptible to variation in nutrition. Even less is known about the effects of nutrition on female genital form, which to our knowledge, have never been investigated. Here we tested for effects of juvenile dietary macronutrients (protein and carbohydrate) on larval survival, adult morphology, including genital size and shape in male and female flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum). We found there was nutritionally induced plasticity in larval survival and morphology, although the latter effect was variable, with body size being most responsive to dietary macronutrients and genital size and shape being least responsive. Functionally equivalent morphological traits in the sexes responded similarly to nutrition. Previously, we showed that the genitalia of male and female T. castaneum are subject to strong stabilising sexual selection, and our current findings suggest that developmental mechanisms reduce the nutritional sensitivity of male and female genitals, possibly to ensure matching during mating.

A review of the Margarodidae sensu stricto (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in China, with descriptions of three new species.

The research history of the family Margarodidae Cockerell sensu stricto (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) from China is reviewed. Four species of Porphyrophora Brandt and three species of Neomargarodes Green from China are described and illustrated, including three new species: Neomargarodes chenopodium Zheng & Wu, sp. nov. based on the morphology of the adult female, first-instar nymph and second-instar female and male nymphs (cysts); Porphyrophora ejinensis Zheng & Wu, sp. nov. based on the adult female, second-instar female nymph (cyst) and third-instar female nymph (cyst); and Porphyrophora neimonggolensis Zheng & Wu, sp. nov. based on the adult female. Porphyrophora ningxiana Yang, 1979, stat. rest. is resurrected from synonymy under Porphyrophora sophorae (Archangelskaya, 1935), and lectotypes of Neomargarodes gossypii Yang, 1979 and P. ningxiana Yang are designated. A record of Porphyrophora ussuriensis Borchsenius, 1949 from China was found to be based on a misidentification. An identification key to genera and species of Margarodidae s.s. found in China is provided, based on adult female morphology.

On the taxonomy of some South American and Australo-Pacific Anthicidae Latreille, 1819 (Coleoptera) with new subfamily and tribe-rank synonymies.

A monotypic South American genus Micreurygenius Pic, 1942 (hitherto in Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862) is synonymized with Ischyropalpus La Ferté-Sénectère, 1849 (Anthicini Latreille, 1819) and, accordingly, moved to Anthicinae Latreille, 1819. A new combination is proposed for its only known species, Ischyropalpus angustatus (Pic, 1942) comb. nov., the species is herein tentatively attributed to the I. eryngii Werner, 1966 informal species-group. The Lemodinae Matthews, 1987 is synonymized with Copobaeninae Abdullah, 1969 and Copobaenus Fairmaire & Germain, 1863 is found congeneric with Trichananca Blanchard, 1891 syn. nov. based on adult morphology. New combinations are proposed for species hitherto attributed to Trichananca Blackburn, 1891: Copobaenus apterus (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. bicoloratus (Gemminger in Gemminger & Harold, 1870) comb. nov., C. cheesmanae (Telnov, 2019) comb. nov., C. concolor (King, 1869) comb. nov., C. frenchi (Pic, 1913) comb. nov., C. fulgidus (Werner & Chandler, 1995) comb. nov., C. hornabrooki (Uhmann, 1995) comb. nov., C. inexpectatus (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. marziae (Moore & Vidal, 2005) comb. nov., C. micromelas (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. neotropicus (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. nigripennis (Lea, 1917) comb. nov., C. novacaledonicus (Telnov, 2019) comb. nov., C. pisoniae (Lea, 1917) comb. nov., C. poggii (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. poqui (Guerrero & Diéguez, 2018) comb. nov., C. rugulosus (Uhmann, 2007) comb. nov., C. uniformis (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. valenciai (Moore & Vidal, 2005) comb. nov., C. victoriensis (Blackburn, 1891) comb. nov., C. vinctus (Erichson, 1842) comb. nov. Copobaenus erratus sp. nov. from Chile is described. The Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862 tribe Ictistygnini Borchmann, 1936 is found contribal and is synonymized with Eurygeniini LeConte, 1862 based on adult morphology. An updated key to Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862 tribes is presented. Setosicornia Pic, 1911, an obscure monotypic South American tenebrionoid genus, is redescribed and moved to the anthicid tribe Eurygeniini (Eurygeniinae) from Ripiphoridae Laporte 1840. A monotypic South American genus Atenizoides Gilmour, 1968, originally placed in Cerambycinae Audinet-Serville, 1832 (Cerambycidae Audinet-Serville, 1832), and placed in the Eurygeniini by Phillip and Ivie (1989), is found to be congeneric with Setosicornia and a new generic synonym is introduced. A new combination is proposed for its only known species, Setosicornia curacaoae (Gilmour, 1968) comb. nov., and this species is redescribed herein.

An annotated checklist with a key to the genera of Australian psyllids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea).

The diversity of the psyllids of Australia reflects that of the plants of this country, with large radiations and ecological dominance of Myrtaceae (e.g., Eucalyptus), Fabaceae (e.g., Acacia), Casuarinaceae (e.g., Allocasuarina, Casuarina) and Scrophulariaceae (e.g., Eremophila, Myoporum). Within Australian ecosystems, psyllids are critical components of food webs, especially with respect to providing energy-rich resources for many species of birds and insects and, historically, humans. Furthermore, in horticulture, agriculture and forestry, some Australian psyllid species are considered pests, causing leaf senescence and 'dieback', leaf deformation and inducing growth of sooty mould, with some adventive species capable of acting as vectors of plant pathogens. Several species are considered beneficial, having been introduced as biological control agents of weeds. Additionally, some Australian psyllids have established in other countries, or in regions within Australia that are not within their natural range; while others have such limited geographical ranges that they are of conservation concern. Here we provide an updated checklist of the species of Psylloidea present in Australia and updated a previous key to their genera based on adult morphology. This is the first checklist of the Australian psyllids compiled since the most recent global taxonomic classification, and provides detailed information on biogeographical, ecological and anthropogenic aspects, including global distribution, host plant data, pest status, conservation status, parasitoids, predators, and biological control programs. Our checklist includes information on 66 genera and 450 species, 414 formally described and 36 awaiting descriptions. This represents an increase of almost 20% of species since the last published checklist of 2004, which reported 354 described and 21 undescribed taxa. Additionally, we summarise the available information on more than 150 undescribed taxa. Finally, we reported here more than 60 new records, between distributions and host plant associations.

New morphological structures of Priapulus caudatus, Lamarck 1816 (Priapulida) and analysis of homologous characters across macroscopic priapulids

The macroscopic Priapulus caudatus Lamarck, 1816 is one of the most investigated priapulids, yet, the adult morphology warrants detailed characterization and analyses of potential priapulid homologies. Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and histology, we examine adult specimens of P. caudatus from three localities in the Northeast Atlantic and the Arctic Oceans (Gullmarsfjord, North Sea, White Sea). Our examinations show ring papillae on the posterior trunk of P. caudatus for the first time in detail and describe previously overlooked structures on the circumoral field (hemispherical papillae, ring 0 scalids and circular folds). In addition, we add new information on pharyngeal teeth, scalids, trunk papillae, posterior warts, and on spinulets of the caudal appendage. The new collected data of P. caudatus allows us to compare structures across species of the macroscopic Priapulidae (Acanthopriapulus, Priapulopsis, Priapulus, Halicryptus) in detail and to build hypotheses on their homology within this clade.

Revision of the genus Bryodemina Hull (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Lomatiinae) with descriptions of two new Neotropical species.

The New World genus Bryodemina Hull is revised. Two new species are herein described and illustrated: Bry. enigmatica sp. nov. from Brazil and Bry. ayalai sp. nov. from Venezuela. The results of a detailed morphological study, based on types and material deposited in many collections of the world, shows that Brachydemia Hull should be considered as a junior synonym of Bryodemina Hull, syn. nov. and Bra. latisoma Hull as junior synonym of Bra. hedickei (Paramonov), syn. nov. Illustrations of the external morphology of adults and male and female terminalia for all valid species are presented. A distribution map including all examined records, an identification key to species together with a preliminary biogeographic discussion are also added.

Loss of cped1 does not affect bone and lean tissue in zebrafish.

Human genetic studies have nominated Cadherin-like and PC-esterase Domain-containing 1 (CPED1) as a candidate target gene mediating bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk heritability. Recent efforts to define the role of CPED1 in bone in mouse and human models have revealed complex alternative splicing and inconsistent results arising from gene targeting, making its function in bone difficult to interpret. To better understand the role of CPED1 in adult bone mass and morphology, we conducted a comprehensive genetic and phenotypic analysis of cped1 in zebrafish, an emerging model for bone and mineral research. We analyzed two different cped1 mutant lines and performed deep phenotyping to characterize more than 200 measures of adult vertebral, craniofacial, and lean tissue morphology. We also examined alternative splicing of zebrafish cped1 and gene expression in various cell/tissue types. Our studies fail to support an essential role of cped1 in adult zebrafish bone. Specifically, homozygous mutants for both cped1 mutant alleles, which are expected to result in loss-of-function and impact all cped1 isoforms, exhibited no significant differences in the measures examined when compared to their respective wildtype controls, suggesting that cped1 does not significantly contribute to these traits. We identified sequence differences in critical residues of the catalytic triad between the zebrafish and mouse orthologs of CPED1, suggesting that differences in key residues, as well as distinct alternative splicing, could underlie different functions of CPED1 orthologs in the two species. Our studies fail to support a requirement of cped1 in zebrafish bone and lean tissue, adding to evidence that variants at 7q31.31 can act independently of CPED1 to influence BMD and fracture risk.

Systematics of Dynastor Doubleday, [1849] (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae, Brassolini).

Dynastor Doubleday, [1849] (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae: Brassolini) is an exclusively Neotropical genus, occurring from Mexico to Argentina. Adults have crepuscular habits, while the larvae are unique in Brassolini in feeding on bromeliads (Bromeliaceae). Until now, Dynastor contained three species, nine subspecies, and five synonyms (two of them generic synonyms). The present study analyzed information on the immature stages and adult morphology, with molecular and distribution data, to provide a revised taxonomic hypothesis for Dynastor species and subspecies. Analyses of approximately 380 specimens, including all species and subspecies known for the genus, supported the reinstatement of the statuses of three species: Dynastor stygianus Butler, 1872 stat. rest., Dynastor hannibal Oberthür, 1881 stat. rest., and Dynastor strix (Bates, 1864) stat. rest. One subspecies is here treated as a species: Dynastor pharnaces Stichel, 1908 stat. nov. Three new synonyms are proposed: Papilio anaxarete Cramer, 1776 syn. nov., Dynastor darius ictericus Stichel, 1904 syn. nov. and Dynastor darius faenius Fruhstorfer, 1912 syn. nov. of Dynastor darius (Fabricius, 1775). To ensure unambiguous identification of names, two neotypes were designated for: Dynastor napoleon f. maculatus Niepelt, 1922 and Dynastor populus Röber, 1927, and nine lectotypes for: Dynastor napoleon Doubleday, [1849], Papilio darius Fabricius, 1775, Papilio anaxarete, Dynastor mardonius Fruhstorfer, 1911, Dynastor darius faenius, Brassolis macrosiris Westwood, 1851, Dynastor hannibal, Brassolis strix, and Dynastor pharnaces stat. nov. The proposed taxonomic checklist for Dynastor includes seven species, more than double the previous proposals, and eight subjective synonyms (two of them generic synonyms).

Phenotypically plastic responses to environmental variation are more complex than life history theory predicts.

For insects that exhibit wing polyphenic development, abiotic and biotic signals dictate the adult wing morphology of the insect in an adaptive manner such that in stressful environments the formation of a flight-capable morph is favored and in low-stress environments, a flightless morph is favored. While there is a relatively large amount known about the environmental cues that dictate morph formation in wing polyphenic hemipterans like planthoppers and aphids, whether those cues dictate the same morphs in non-hemipteran (i.e., cricket) wing polyphenic species has not been explicitly investigated. To experimentally test the generality of environmental cue determination of wing polyphenism across taxa with diverse life histories, in this study, we tested the importance of food quantity, parasitic infection, and tactile cues on wing morph determination in the wing polyphenic sand field cricket, Gryllus firmus. Our results also show that certain stress cues, such as severe diet quantity limitation and parasitic infection, actually led to an increase in the production of flightless morph. Based on these findings, our results suggest that physiological and genetic constraints are important to an organism's ability to respond to environmental variation in an adaptive manner beyond simple life history trade-offs.