Beetle elytra: evolution, modifications and biological functions

Biology Letters, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 19(3)

Published: March 1, 2023

Conversion of forewings into hardened covers, elytra, was a ground-breaking morphological adaptation that has contributed to the extraordinary evolutionary success beetles. Nevertheless, knowledge functional aspects these structures is still fragmentary and scattered across large number studies. Here, we have synthesized presently available information on evolution, development, modifications biological functions this crucial novelty. The formation elytra took place in earliest evolution Coleoptera, very likely already Carboniferous, achieved through gradual process progressive forewing sclerotization inward directed epipleura secluded sub-elytral space. In many lineages modern beetles, been distinctly modified. This includes multiple surface modifications, rigid connection or fusion partial complete reduction. Beetle can be involved broad spectrum functions: mechanical protection hind wings body, anti-predator strategies, thermoregulation water saving, harvesting, flight, wing folding, diving swimming, self-cleaning burrow cleaning, phoresy symbiotic organisms, mating courtship, acoustic communication. We postulate potential take over tasks enormously unparalleled diversification

Language: Английский

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The evolutionary history of Coleoptera (Insecta) in the late Palaeozoic and the Mesozoic

Systematic Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 49(3), P. 355 - 388

Published: Feb. 13, 2024

Abstract Recent progress in beetle palaeontology has incited us to re‐address the evolutionary history of group. The Permian †Tshekardocoleidae had elytra that covered posterior body a loose tent‐like manner. formation elytral epipleura and tight fit abdomen were important transformations Middle Permian, resulting tightly enclosed subelytral space. families likely associated with dead wood gymnospermous trees. end‐Permian extinction event resulted turnover composition faunas, especially decline large‐bodied wood‐associated forms. Adephaga Myxophaga underwent first wave diversification Triassic. Polyphaga are very rare this period. suborder occurs Jurassic, fossils Elateriformia, Staphyliniformia Cucujiformia. Cretaceous fossil record been tremendously enriched by discovery amber inclusions. Numerous represent all major polyphagan lineages also remaining suborders. Improved analytical methods for documenting placing extinct taxa discussed. Different factors have played role beetles. enormous number species flowering plants, timing patterns phytophagous indicate angiosperm radiation macroevolution. Moreover, evolution intimate partnerships symbionts acquisition novel genes—obtained from fungi bacteria via horizontal gene transfers—facilitated use plant material as food source key innovations plant‐feeding

Language: Английский

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Introduction to Scydmaeninae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae): morphology of adults

Zootaxa, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 5581(1), P. 1 - 390

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

Exo- and endoskeletal structures of Scydmaeninae are illustrated described based on exemplary 351 species representing 116 genera all tribes. Over 1700 illustrations show an unparallel morphological diversity ant-like stone beetles, introduce this group to coleopterists, setting standards for descriptions. The terminology is discussed selected terms defined or clarified, ensure unambiguous understanding used by various authors in a different sense. Several problems detail, as the cephalic structures; possible hypopharyngeal, not prelabial, origin ligula some beetles; that increase mechanical robustness thorax; astounding plasticity evolutionary changes ventral prothoracic pterothoracic pleural novel discoveries elytral locking system (incl. elytral-metanepisternal device); multiple migrations aedeagal membranous area retractor; parallelism between Pselaphinae male secondary sexual characters. Moreover, synapomorphies discussed, perspectives future studies outlined.

Language: Английский

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Diversity, Form, and Postembryonic Development of Paleozoic Insects

Annual Review of Entomology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 68(1), P. 401 - 429

Published: Jan. 23, 2023

While Mesozoic, Paleogene, and Neogene insect faunas greatly resemble the modern one, Paleozoic fauna provides unique insights into key innovations in evolution, such as origin of wings modifications postembryonic development including holometaboly. Deep-divergence estimates suggest that majority contemporary orders originated Late Paleozoic, but these reflect divergences between stem groups each lineage rather than later appearance crown groups. The fossil record shows initial radiations extant hyperdiverse clades during Early Permian, well specialized present before End Permian mass extinction. This review summarizes recent discoveries related to documented diversity hexapods, current knowledge about what has actually been verified from evidence it relates morphology different body parts.

Language: Английский

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An extraordinary case of elytra loss in Coleoptera (Elateroidea: Lycidae): discovery and placement of the first anelytrous adult male beetle

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 199(2), P. 553 - 566

Published: July 1, 2023

Abstract Insects are one of the few groups animals that developed ability active flight. Such mobility allowed group to successfully explore and thrive in nearly all kinds ecological niches. At same time, during evolutionary history insects, due high costs wing development, flight was lost independently many groups. In beetles, reduction or complete loss hind wings has been reported multiple lineages, especially several extreme paedomorphic larviform females, mainly Elateroidea, which not only but also elytra lost. However, absence adult males hitherto unknown, despite half a million described species Coleoptera. this study, we report discovery Xenomorphon baranowskii gen. et sp. nov., first completely anelytrous wingless male beetle, belonging family Lycidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea). is illustrated, described, provisionally placed Calopterini, based on our morphology-based phylogenetic analyses. We discuss possible scenarios could lead such rare event, when beetle loses its elytra, consequences.

Language: Английский

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When a key innovation becomes redundant: Patterns, drivers and consequences of elytral reduction in Coleoptera

Systematic Entomology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 49(2), P. 193 - 220

Published: Dec. 11, 2023

Abstract The transformation of the fore wings into strongly sclerotized protective covers (elytra) is considered a fundamental evolutionary innovation megadiverse order Coleoptera. Surprisingly, these multifunctional structures have been reduced in many distantly related groups beetles. Patterns, drivers and implications this modification never comprehensively discussed. In present study, we surveyed entire Coleoptera to analyse patterns elytral shortening loss, with special focus on prevalence, forms, degree reduction functional background significant deviation from coleopteran ground plan. Our analysis revealed that about 20% all extant species (roughly 88,000 out 442,275 spp.), distributed across four suborders, shortened or even absent elytra. loss was more frequent within polyphagan series Elateriformia Staphyliniformia. Moreover, found has independently occurred multiple times history it driven by wide array selective drivers. One main improved flexibility uncovered abdomen correlated increased manoeuvrability narrow spaces, as well option using flexible steering organ facilitate mating. Another common driver mimicry, where exposed metathoracic potentially improve overall similarity hymenopteran models. Exposure can targeted release defensive abdominal gland secretions most likely crucial step towards establishing relations social insects enhanced chemical communication. Elateriformia, rarely other lineages, consequence paedomorphosis, specific resource‐allocation strategy. beetles elytra, alternative strategies be found. This includes, for instance, aposematic coloration, defence, mimicry bioluminescence. Direct remain unclear, studies are needed understand morphological

Language: Английский

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Male genitalia, hierarchical homology, and the anatomy of the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Journal of Morphology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 285(9)

Published: Aug. 27, 2024

The male genitalia of insects are among the most variable, complex, and informative character systems for evolutionary analysis taxonomic purposes. Because these general properties, many generations systematists have struggled to develop a theory homology alignment parts. This struggle continues present day, where fundamentally different models nomenclatures Hymenoptera, example, applied. Here, we take multimodal approach digitalize comprehensively document genital skeletomuscular anatomy bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera: Formicidae), including hand dissection, synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography, microphotography, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser 3D-printing. Through this work, generate several new concepts structure form such as endophallic sclerite (=fibula ducti), which were able evaluate in detail first time any species. Based on phenomic anatomical study comparison with other Holometabola Hexapoda, reconsider homologies insect more broadly, propose series clarifications support penis-gonopod identity. Specifically, use Paraponera broadly an empirical case hierarchical by applying refining 5-category classification serial homologs from DiFrisco et al. (2023) (DLW23) all our formalized concepts. this, find that: (1) geometry is critical attribute account ontology, especially individually identifiable attributes positionally indexed hence can be recognized homomorphic; (2) definition "structure" proposed DLW23 difficult apply, likely heterogeneous; (3) formative elements, or spatially defined foldings in- evaginations epidermis cuticle, important yet overlooked class homomorphs. We morphogenetic model female genitalia, analogous gene-tree species-tree mappings specifically. For structures evaluated study, provide 3D-printable - without musculature, various states digital dissection facilitate development tactile understanding. Our treatment P. clavata serves basic template future studies will substantially improved automation collections-based data processing pipelines, that is, collectomics. Hymenoptera Anatomy Ontology resource include effort, best practice should linked.

Language: Английский

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Redescription of the highly specialized aquatic †Tigrivia and the classification of the Mesozoic †Coptoclavidae (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscoidea)

Zootaxa, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 5588(3), P. 401 - 425

Published: Feb. 16, 2025

†Tigrivia baii, a highly specialized aquatic beetle assigned to the adephagan †Coptoclavidae, is redescribed and documented in detail. The observed morphological features are discussed with respect function, phylogenetic significance, current classification of Mesozoic family. Cladistic analyses indicate that sister taxon †Coptoclava. Both may be closely related †Daohugounectes, but this was not confirmed by analyses. genus, more advanced than †Coptoclava, showing range suggesting evolutionary parallels Gyrinidae, i.e. long raptorial forelegs, very small prosternal process, an unusually large mesoventrite without hexagonal groove, apically truncated elytra, exposed appendices abdominal segment VIII. However, detailed assessment these analysis revealed derived characteristics have evolved independently whirligig beetles. other beetles †Coptoclavidae were likely facultative surface hunters, less which can swim rapidly on film paddle-like short middle hind legs. In any case †Coptoclava active predators, preying fishes amphibian larvae. monophyletic, same probably true for most subfamilies, especially †Necronectinae (= †Timarchopsinae). While many coptoclavid taxa display subdivided compound eyes upper lower subunit, feature synapomorphy since it found all genera. Groups metacoxae haliplid or trachypachid type, mesal walls fused posterior plates, apparently do belong Dytiscoidea, should removed from †Coptoclavidae. rest family, characterized extensively metacoxal largely reduced coxal plates clade comprising dytiscoid families except Noteridae Meruidae.

Language: Английский

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Phylogenomics resolves the relationships among Hydrophiloidea‐Histeroidea families (Coleoptera) and challenges the single colonization of aquatic habitats

Systematic Entomology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 23, 2025

Abstract Beetle superfamilies Histeroidea and Hydrophiloidea form a well‐supported monophylum with c. 9000 described species, but the relationships among families remain unresolved, hindering studies of early evolution group. This study presents first genomic data for all modern families, including genomes Synteliidae, Sphaeritidae, Georissidae Epimetopidae. Using datasets 4215, 1100 709 protein‐coding genes, we reconstructed reconfirmed Early Triassic split Histeroidea, revealed to Middle Jurassic origin families. All analytical methods same topology Hydrophiloidea. The superfamily consists two main clades: helophorid lineage (Georissidae + Helophoridae Hydrochidae) hydrophilid (Epimetopidae Spercheidae Hydrophilidae), Hydrochidae Hydrophilidae as strongly supported clades; riparian Epimetopidae branching clades in each lineage. In detected significant conflict phylogenetic signal, indicating more complex dynamic molecular than Hydrophiloidea: our analyses reject Synteliidae sister Histeridae are not decisive on whether Sphaeritidae or other Histeroidea. reconstruction habitat preferences indicated that ancestral inhabited moist substrates at sides lakes rivers were aquatic. Aquatic habitats colonized twice independently: once by an ancestor Hydrophilidae. We discuss evidence against this novel Riparian Ancestor Hypothesis detail.

Language: Английский

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The Hind Wing of Coleoptera (Insecta): Morphology, Nomenclature and Phylogenetic Significance: Part 2. Further Discussion, Histeroidea, Bostrichoidea to Curculionoidea

Annales Zoologici, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 72(3)

Published: Sept. 30, 2022

Part 2 of this work includes a review morphological and systematic on Histeridae (G07, revision), Bostrichoidea (G15), Coccinelloidea (G16), Lymexyloidea + Tenebrionoidea (G17), Cleroidea (G18), Cucujoidea (G19), Chrysomeloidea (G20) Curculionoidea (G21), discussions hind wing structure in each group based 702 images, references to additional published figures comments morphology and, if possible, how these features may or not be correlated with recent phylogenetic hypotheses. The introduction is followed by brief some important works mentioned 1, particularly those dealing relationships extinct taxa.

Language: Английский

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