European Journal of Entomology (2005) 102, 553-556

S.T.E. Lommen, P.W.D. Jong and P.M. Brakefield (2005)
Phenotypic plasticity of elytron length in wingless two-spot ladybird beetles, Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
European Journal of Entomology 102 (3), 553-556
Abstract: Winglessness in the two-spot ladybird beetle Adalia bipunctata (L.) is determined by a single locus with the wingless allele recessive to the winged wildtype allele. The expression of the wingless trait is highly variable, with individuals missing a variable part of elytra and flight wings; the elytra and wings appear to be truncated rather than miniature in form. The degree of winglessness is partly determined genetically. Here we report on the phenotypic plasticity of the degree of winglessness. The environmental effect on elytron length relative to maximal elytron length in wingless phenotypes was studied by rearing offspring of single pair crosses of this form at a low (19°C) or high (29°C) temperature. Offspring reared at 19°C showed relatively longer elytra than those reared at 29°C.
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Database assignments for author(s): Suzanne T.E. Lommen

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Adalia bipunctata (predator)