Convergent Reduction of Ovariole Number Associated with Subterranean Life in Beetles.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Some species of obligate cavernicolous beetles are known to possess a unique feature-a contraction of the larval cycle. In contrast to many other subterranean beetles, life-cycle contraction in Trechini ground beetles (Carabidae) is correlated with a reduction in the number of eggs and a drastic reduction in the number of ovarioles. This remarkable peculiarity has only been reported for a small number of closely related species.

Results

We give a description of the female internal reproductive system for six species of Trechini, including five subterranean species, with a particular focus on the western Pyrenean radiation of Aphaenops, a group for which nothing is known regarding the early life stages. We redescribe the internal female genitalia of A. crypticola L

SUBMITTER: Faille A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4494710 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature