Wing Length Plasticity in Eristalis Arbustorum (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Authors: Ottenheim, Mart M.; Volmer, Anique D.

Source: Netherlands Journal of Zoology, Volume 49, Number 1, 1999 , pp. 15-27(13)

Publisher: BRILL

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $35.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

In Eristalis arbu.stnrum wing length relative to overall body size is influenced by the rearing temperature during the first half of the pupal stage. At lower temperatures the wing length is relatively longer than at higher temperatures. The wings of males are shorter than those of females. The response to temperature is nonlinear and the sexes respond in a similar way. Significant genotype-environment interactions were found, demonstrating genetic variation among families in response to temperature. This plasticity is also observed in the field where relative wing length correlates well with the average daily temperature two weeks preceeding the date the fly was collected. The adaptive value and the ecological consequences of this plasticity are discussed.

Keywords: Eristalis; hoverflies; phenotypic plasticity; Syrphids; temperature

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156854299X00029

Affiliations: 1: Institute of Evolutionary and Ecological Sciences, Section of Evolutionary Biology and Systematic Zoology, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9516, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands

Publication date: 1999-01-01

More about this publication?