The genome sequence of Trichoplusia ni enables the use of this widespread lepidopteran pest as a model for both the study of small RNA pathways and insecticide resistance.
CenH3, the defining component of centromeres in almost all eukaryotes, was independently lost in four insect lineages that transitioned from monocentricity to holocentricity.
Novel virus-host systems yield insights into how Lepidopterans (moths and butterflies) combat RNA virus infection and reveal that poxvirus A51R proteins can suppress the host's immune system and stabilize microtubules in host cells.
A 2-year field study has demonstrated that volatile compounds produced by plants when they are attacked by herbivores act as defenses by attracting predators to the herbivores and increasing the reproduction of the plants.
A fatty acyl reductase gene family expansion in the Hymenoptera crown group led to recruitment of novel pheromone-biosynthetic enzymes and is linked to evolution of pheromone marking behavior.
A mimetic complex composed of at least 140 species of ants, wasps, spiders, true bugs and treehoppers, all with conspicuous golden bodies, has been discovered.
Evolutionary reconstruction of the ecdysis pathway shows that its major elements are present in the majority of metazoans, providing evidence that they originated much earlier than currently assumed.
Body shape and behavioural specializations found across the castes of ant species evolved together and reflect different abilities for ground behaviors.
