Describing head shape variations between sexes, across locations, and among species of rice bugs, Leptocorisa spp. using landmark-based geometric morphometrics

Issue Date

10-2012

Abstract

Patterns of intersexual and interpopulation, morphological head shape variations were quantified and determined using series of landmark-based geometric morphometrics. Results of the relative warp analysis showed that variations on mean head shapes between sexes of L. acuta, L. chinensis, and L. oratorius vary primarily in the size and shape of the labrum and the degree of curvature of the vertex. Mean shape of the head capsule of sample specimens respectively four locations (Kapatagan, Kumalarang, Molave and Pinuyak) vary evidently also in labrum shape and size, concavity of the vertex and in the area of the left and right eye insertions. Interspecies variations are characterized still by size and shape of labrum, concavity of the vertex, area of the compound eye insetions, and in the area of the left and right of confirmatory tests (Multivariate tests) validated these observed variations and were found to be considerably significant, implying that indeed there exist head shape variations between sexes, among population from studied locations, and among species of Leptocorisa spp. Different feeding patterns as a form of adaptation to the environment, might now influenced these variations since insect heads take many shapes reflecting characteristic feeding habits of Leptocorisa spp. Thorough understanding of the biological basis of the observed morphological variation is necessary for the formulation of effective management strategies addressing varied populations of rice bug species.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

26

Issue

2

Page

191

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

LEPTOCORISA; INSECTA; ANIMAL MORPHOLOGY; ANIMAL STRUCTURE; MORPHOLOGY; HEAD DIMENSIONS

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