Identification of genes controlling mouthpart development key to insect diversity
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - 11:01
in Biology & Nature
New research revealed roles for genes responsible for insect limb formation in the development of stag beetle mouthparts. Different genes were shown to control mandible size and generation of inner teeth, and appeared to cooperate with signaling of the insect juvenile hormone, leading to species-specific differences in morphology. These findings advance understanding of insect diversification and are relevant to control of insects as an agricultural pest and disease vector.