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Evolutionary genomics of camouflage innovation in the orchid mantis
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Evolutionary genomics of camouflage innovation in the orchid mantis
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Evolutionary genomics of camouflage innovation in the orchid mantis
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Journal Article
Evolutionary genomics of camouflage innovation in the orchid mantis
2023
Overview
The orchid mantises achieve camouflage with morphological modifications in body color and pattern, providing an interesting model for understanding phenotypic innovation. However, a reference genome is lacking for the order Mantodea. To unveil the mechanisms of plant-mimicking body coloration and patterns, we performed de novo assembly of two chromosome-level genomes of the orchid mantis and its close relative, the dead leaf mantis. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the
Scarlet
gene plays an important role in the synthesis of xanthommatin, an important pigment for mantis camouflage coloration. Combining developmental transcriptomic analysis and genetic engineering experiments, we found that the cuticle was an essential component of the ‘petal-like’ enlargement, and specific expression in the ventral femur was controlled by Wnt signaling. The prolonged expression of Ultrabithorax (Ubx) accompanied by femoral expansion suggested that
Ubx
determines leg remodeling in the early developmental stage. We also found evidence of evolution of the
Trypsin
gene family for insectivory adaptation and ecdysone-dependent sexual dimorphism in body size. Overall, our study presents new genome catalogs and reveals the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the unique camouflage of the praying mantis, providing evolutionary developmental insights into phenotypic innovation and adaptation.
Camouflage is a widespread phenomenon in nature, and the orchid mantis is a particularly striking example. Here the authors use evolutionary genomics to uncover the genetic mechanisms behind the colour and morphology that produce innovative camouflage in the orchid mantis and dead leaf mantis.
