An Insect with Selective Control of Egg Coloration

摘要: The color and patterning of animal eggs has important consequences for offspring survival. There are examples between-species polymorphic differences in egg coloration birds amphibians [1-3], as well cases insects whose nutritional status or age can cause within-individual variation pigmentation [4-6]. However, no studies to date have demonstrated that individual animals selectively control the their eggs. Here, we show females predatory stink bug Podisus maculiventris during oviposition, a response environmental conditions. masses produced by range from pale yellow dark black/brown. Females tend lay darker eggs, which more resistant UV radiation, on upper surface leaves where exposure is highest nature. Conversely, they lighter undersides leaves. not determined intensity radiation falling laid. Rather, female bugs appear use visual assessment oviposition substrate reflectance determine color. Unexpectedly, biochemical analyses revealed pigment melanin, most ubiquitous light-absorbing animals. Our study offers first example an able its