Regulation of metamorphosis in neopteran insects is conserved in the paleopteran Cloeon dipterum (Ephemeroptera).

ABSTRACT: In the Paleozoic era, more than 400 Ma, a number of insect groups continued molting after forming functional wings. Today, however, flying insects stop molting after metamorphosis when they become fully winged. The only exception is the mayflies (Paleoptera, Ephemeroptera), which molt in the subimago, a flying stage between the nymph and the adult. However, the identity and homology of the subimago still is underexplored. Debate remains regarding whether this stage represents a modified nymph, an adult, or a pupa like that of butterflies. Another relevant question is why mayflies have the subimago stage despite the risk of molting fragile membranous wings. These questions have intrigued numerous authors, but nonetheless, clear answers have not yet been found. By combining morphological stu

SUBMITTER: Kamsoi O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8403931 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature