Morphological variation and sex-biased frequency of wing dimorphism in the pygmy grasshopper Tetrix subulata (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)

European Journal of Entomology

Arne W. LEHMANN¹  Gerlind U.C. LEHMANN²  Anja STEENMAN³ 

[1] [e-mail];Friedensallee 37, 14532 Stahnsdorf, Germany, e-mail: [e-mail];Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Biology, Behavioural Physiology, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany, e-mails: [e-mail];

关键词: orthoptera;    caelifera;    tetrigidae;    tetrix subulata;    pygmy grasshopper;    polymorphism;    polyphenism;    wing-dimorphism;    sex-biased frequency;   

DOI  :  10.14411/eje.2013.071

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Dimorphism in wing length is well known in many insect species. It is generally believed that a trade-off between dispersal and reproduction exists, with the long-winged (LW) morph being a better disperser due to its superior flight capability. The short-winged (SW) morph is less mobile and it is hypothesised that females of this morph invest more of their energy reserves in producing offspring. We determined the variation in body and wing size in the pygmy grasshopper Tetrix subulata (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae). The results of the morphological study support the occurrence of two clearly distinct wing morphs in both sexes. SW individuals, especially males, were smaller and in accord with proposed developmental instability showed greater variability in body size than LW individuals. Using data for 700 wild-caught individuals from 10 populations, we demonstrate a variable frequency in the percentage of LW individuals, ranging from all-LW to all-SW populations, even if the LW morph is by far the most common morph in an area. The male-biased percentage of LW individuals recorded in intermediate populations supports a difference in the dispersal reproduction trade-off between the sexes.

【 授权许可】

Unknown