PRF/J: The Developmental Basis of Male Dimorphism in the Dung Beetle Onthophagus Acuminatus

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9403323 Emlen Males in natural populations of the dung beetle Onthophagus acuminatus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) occur in two discrete forms: those larger than a "critical" size have a pair of large frontal horns, a deeply indented prothorax, and wide heads with an upturned frontal lip while males smaller than the "critical" size lack horns, have a smooth prothorax, and a narrower head without frontal lip. The developmental basis of this morphological dimorphism in males will be investigated by examining larval hormonal and growth processes that underlie horn expression and other developmentally linked traits correlated with horn morphology. %%% Effects of (proximate) developmental mechanisms on directions of (ultimate) phenotypic evolution will be revealed by the research. This study of condition- or environment-sensitive expression of developmental morphology sets the stage for greater understanding of the relationship between microevolutionary change and macroevolution. Such knowledge enhances our appreciation of the Earth's biodiversity and how it came into existence. Generally, studies of insect developmental patterns have potential for guiding safe but effective biological control strategies. ***