Wing-dimorphism
Guides
Agabetes
Agabetes is a small genus of diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) in the subfamily Laccophilinae. The genus contains two described species: Agabetes acuductus, described from North America in 1828, and Agabetes svetlanae, described from the Palearctic region in 1989. The genus is the type genus of the tribe Agabetini. Members are aquatic beetles inhabiting freshwater environments.
Amynothrips andersoni
Alligatorweed Thrips, Alligator Weed Thrips
Amynothrips andersoni is a species of thrips in the family Phlaeothripidae, native to South America and introduced to the United States as a biological control agent against the invasive aquatic weed alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides). Adults are small, shiny black insects approximately 2 mm in length. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with both short-winged and long-winged flying forms present, though the latter is rare. Both larval and adult stages feed on alligator weed, causing leaf curling and plant stunting.
Bembidion lampros
A small ground beetle native to Europe, now established in North America. Adults overwinter and reproduce in early spring in arable fields, where they function as generalist predators of cereal aphids. The species exhibits wing dimorphism with three phenotypes, though macropterous individuals rarely possess functional flight muscles. Low lifetime fecundity (approximately 10 eggs per female) and high juvenile mortality (66%) make population dynamics sensitive to conditions during larval development.
Carcinocephalus flavidus
winter rove beetle
Carcinocephalus flavidus, known as the winter rove beetle, is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is notable for its unusual winter activity period and distinct wing dimorphism between sexes. The species was originally described as Omalium flavidum by Hamilton in 1895. It occurs in northeastern North America, where it has been observed on snow during winter months.
Cleruchus
Cleruchus is a genus of fairyflies (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) containing minute egg parasitoids. Species in this genus exhibit notable wing dimorphism, with both macropterous and brachypterous individuals occurring within single species. They are associated with bracket fungi and parasitize eggs of beetles, particularly Ciidae. The genus is distributed across the Palaearctic region with records from Europe, Russia, and North America.
Colaspidea
Colaspidea is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae. The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution, occurring in the Mediterranean region and in western North America (California and the southwestern United States). A notable morphological distinction exists between regional species: North American species possess fully developed wings, while Mediterranean species are wingless. Recent phylogenetic hypotheses suggest that Mediterranean Colaspidea may be sister to Chalcosicya, with Colaspina sister to both combined; North American species may represent a separate genus. The genus currently contains 19 described species.
Colliuris
Long-necked Ground Beetles
A genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Odacanthini, containing more than 90 described species. Species exhibit wing dimorphism as an adaptive trait. Some species resemble tiger beetles in appearance, which can lead to misidentification by collectors.
Conocephalus strictus
Straight-lanced Meadow Katydid
Conocephalus strictus, the straight-lanced meadow katydid, is a North American katydid notable for the female's exceptionally long, straight ovipositor that exceeds body length. The species exhibits wing dimorphism with short-winged (13–22 mm) and long-winged (21–30 mm) forms. Adults appear in late summer and occur year-round in dry grasslands, old fields, and pastures where they form dense aggregations. Males produce a faint, pulsating purr at 10–20 kHz.
Delphacodes
delphacid planthoppers
Delphacodes is a large genus of delphacid planthoppers comprising over 230 described species with worldwide distribution. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding herbivores primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops. Several species are economically significant as vectors of plant viruses affecting maize, wheat, and other gramineae, including Mal de Río Cuarto virus and maize rough dwarf virus. The genus exhibits wing dimorphism, with both brachypterous (short-winged) and macropterous (long-winged) forms occurring within populations.
Delphacodes scolochloa
Delphacodes scolochloa is a wing-dimorphic planthopper species described in 2007, inhabiting prairie pothole wetlands of the North American Great Plains. The species exhibits two distinct wing morphs: brachypterous (short-winged) and macropterous (long-winged) individuals, with significantly different dispersal capabilities. Research has focused on its movement ecology, colonization patterns, and establishment success in fragmented wetland habitats, revealing strong Allee effects on population establishment.
Diamesa
Winter Midges, Snow Midges
Diamesa is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Diamesinae of the family Chironomidae. Adults are commonly known as winter midges or snow midges due to their unusual cold-season activity. The genus exhibits remarkable cold tolerance, with adults active at sub-zero temperatures and larvae inhabiting cold, running waters. Some species display wing dimorphism, with brachypterous (short-winged) forms adapted for ground mating on snow and ice, and macropterous (fully-winged) forms that swarm in flight during spring.
Dimorphopteryx abnormis
Dimorphopteryx abnormis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Allantinae. The genus Dimorphopteryx is characterized by unusual wing dimorphism, with both fully winged and short-winged forms occurring within species. This species was described by Rohwer in 1911 and is known from multiple Canadian provinces. Like other tenthredinid sawflies, it is likely herbivorous with larvae feeding on plant foliage, though specific host plant associations remain poorly documented. The genus is taxonomically notable for its distinctive wing polymorphism, which is reflected in its name (Greek: dimorphos = two forms, pteryx = wing).
Drepanosiphum
sycamore aphids, maple aphids
A genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, primarily associated with maple trees (Acer). Species include economically significant pests such as the sycamore aphid (D. platanoidis), which has been extensively studied for its complex life cycle involving wing dimorphism, seasonal polyphenism, and host-dependent reproductive strategies. The genus exhibits sophisticated flight behavior correlated with body size and wing loading, and serves as a model system for studying aphid population dynamics and predator-prey interactions.
Javesella
Javesella is a genus of delphacid planthoppers (family Delphacidae) established by Fennah in 1963, containing at least 20 described species. The genus is best known through Javesella pellucida, a significant agricultural pest and virus vector. Species in this genus exhibit wing dimorphism and are associated with grass hosts including cereals.
Javesella pellucida
Javesella pellucida is a delphacid planthopper with a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is documented as a pest of cultivated plants, with confirmed feeding associations on rice (Oryza sativa) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). The species exhibits wing dimorphism with distinct macropterous and brachypterous forms, and serves as a vector for multiple plant viruses including European wheat striate mosaic virus and Festuca leaf streak virus. Transovarial virus transmission has been demonstrated, with 85-96% of progeny from infected females becoming infective.
Lachesilla pedicularia
cosmopolitan grain barklouse, cosmopolitan grain psocid
A small barklouse (1.5–2 mm) with near-global distribution. Frequently macropterous but brachypterous forms occur. Distinguished by abdominal brown stripes, hairless forewings, and characteristic wing venation. Found on tree bark, in stored grain, and human structures. Member of the pedicularia species group within Lachesillidae.
Limothrips
Grain thrips, Barley thrips
Limothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae comprising six recognized species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly Limothrips cerealium (grain thrips) and Limothrips denticornis (barley thrips), which feed on cereals and grasses. Species exhibit wing dimorphism, with both winged (macropterous) and wingless (apterous) forms documented. Several species have been documented as crop pests causing reduced seed set in wheat, oats, and barley.
Macrosiphoniella sanborni
Chrysanthemum Aphid, Brown Chrysanthemum Aphid
Macrosiphoniella sanborni, the chrysanthemum aphid, is a phloem-feeding aphid in the family Aphididae. It is an oligophagous pest specialized on Chrysanthemum species and a major economic threat to chrysanthemum cultivation. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with alate (winged) and apterous (wingless) morphs showing distinct chemosensory gene expression profiles. It vectors chrysanthemum viruses including vein mottle virus and virus B.
Megamelus
Water Hyacinth Planthopper (for M. scutellaris)
Megamelus is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, comprising at least 30 described species. The genus is widely distributed and primarily associated with freshwater aquatic environments. Several species, particularly M. scutellaris, have been extensively studied as biological control agents for invasive aquatic weeds such as water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). The genus exhibits wing dimorphism influenced by population density and host plant quality. Recent phylogenetic studies have clarified interspecific relationships and supported the monophyly of the genus.
Megamelus scutellaris
water hyacinth planthopper, waterhyacinth planthopper
Megamelus scutellaris is a small delphacid planthopper native to South America, where it is monophagous on water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). The species has been introduced to multiple regions including Florida (2010) and South Africa (2013) as a classical biological control agent for invasive water hyacinth. It exhibits wing dimorphism, with adults occurring as either wingless (brachypterous) or winged (macropterous) forms. Population genetic studies indicate three main lineages in its native range associated with major river basins, shaped by Pleistocene climatic shifts and Holocene hydrological changes.
Metadelphax propinqua
delphacid planthopper
Metadelphax propinqua is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae with a remarkably broad global distribution spanning six continents. It has been introduced to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Laboratory studies on a Turkish population maintained at 22°C documented an egg stage of 12 days, nymphal development of 19 days through five instars, and adult female longevity of 51 days, with fecundity averaging 1112 eggs per female. Adults exhibit wing dimorphism, occurring as macropters, brachypters, or intermediary forms.
Metrioptera
bush crickets, bog bush crickets, meadow bush crickets
Metrioptera is a genus of bush crickets (Tettigoniidae) in the tribe Platycleidini, commonly known as bog and meadow bush crickets. The genus contains approximately 10 species distributed across Eurasia, including notable species such as Metrioptera brachyptera (the bog bush cricket), M. roeselii (Roesel's bush cricket), and M. bicolor. Species within this genus have been extensively studied as model organisms for understanding insect dispersal, population genetics, and acoustic communication. Several species exhibit wing dimorphism, with both fully winged and short-winged or flightless forms occurring within populations.
Metrioptera roeselii
Roesel's Bush-cricket
Metrioptera roeselii, commonly known as Roesel's Bush-cricket, is a medium-sized bush-cricket native to continental Europe that has undergone significant range expansion in northern Europe since the 1980s. The species is characterized by a distinctive yellow-green coloration with a prominent yellow stripe along the lateral margin of the pronotum. It exhibits wing dimorphism, with both short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) forms occurring in populations; the long-winged form is associated with range expansion. The species has been introduced to Britain and Scandinavia, with genetic evidence indicating human-mediated dispersal in some isolated populations.
Microvelia
small water striders, riffle bugs
Microvelia is a large genus of small semiaquatic bugs comprising at least 230 described species distributed worldwide. These insects inhabit nearshore areas of stagnant or slow-flowing freshwater, where they move on the water surface using surface tension. The genus exhibits wing dimorphism, with populations containing both fully winged (macropterous) and short-winged (brachypterous) individuals. Several subgenera have been recognized including Austromicrovelia, Barbivelia, Pacificovelia, and Picaultia, based on phylogenetic and morphological analyses.
Nebria suturalis
seamed gazelle beetle
Nebria suturalis, commonly known as the seamed gazelle beetle, is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species exhibits wing dimorphism with both forms incapable of flight. Adults are strictly nocturnal and carnivorous. It is restricted to high-elevation habitats, occurring on mountain tops across a disjunct range in northeastern North America and the Rocky Mountains.
Notiophilus nitens
bright big-eyed beetle
Notiophilus nitens is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the bright big-eyed beetle. It occurs in western North America, with documented populations in British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Adults exhibit wing dimorphism, with some individuals having reduced wings (brachypterous) and others fully developed wings (macropterous). The species inhabits open, disturbed habitats including grasslands and agricultural areas.
Notiophilus semistriatus
semi-striate big-eyed beetle
Notiophilus semistriatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the semi-striate big-eyed beetle. It exhibits wing dimorphism, with populations containing both fully-winged (macropterous) and short-winged (brachypterous) adults. The species is primarily active during daylight hours. It occupies a range of open and edge habitats across northern North America and extends into Russia.
Notiophilus simulator
Fall's big-eyed beetle
Notiophilus simulator is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Fall's big-eyed beetle. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with populations containing both short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) individuals. It inhabits upland to mountainous environments across North America.
Notiophilus sylvaticus
forest big-eyed beetle
Notiophilus sylvaticus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the forest big-eyed beetle. It is native to North America and exhibits wing dimorphism, with populations containing both short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) individuals. Adults are gregarious and primarily active during daylight hours. The species inhabits open forests and meadows.
Oedaleonotus
Oedaleonotus is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed primarily in western North America. The best-known species, Oedaleonotus enigma (valley grasshopper), is a significant rangeland pest known for its migratory behavior and capacity to reach outbreak densities. Members of this genus are characterized by variable wing development, with some species having fully functional long wings and others having reduced or short wings.
Oedaleonotus enigma
Valley Grasshopper
Oedaleonotus enigma, the valley grasshopper, is a large, colorful spur-throated grasshopper native to western North America. It is a significant rangeland pest capable of reaching outbreak densities exceeding 20 adults per square yard. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with both short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) forms occurring in populations. It is notable for early spring hatching and a relatively long nymphal period of 42-50 days due to cool temperatures and six instars rather than the typical five.
Pagasa nigripes
Pagasa nigripes is a small, dark damsel bug in the family Nabidae. Like other members of its genus, it is ground-dwelling and has a compact, beetle-like appearance. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with individuals either fully winged or having reduced, non-functional wing pads. As a nabid, it is a predatory true bug with raptorial front legs adapted for capturing prey.
Peregrinus maidis
corn planthopper, corn delphacid, sorghum shoot bug, shoot bug
Peregrinus maidis is a small planthopper in the family Delphacidae, widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a significant agricultural pest of maize, sorghum, and sugarcane, causing direct damage through phloem feeding and acting as a vector for several important plant viruses including maize mosaic virus and maize stripe virus. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females larger than males, and displays wing dimorphism with brachypterous (short-winged) and macropterous (long-winged) forms that develop in response to environmental conditions.
Phoetaliotes nebrascensis
large-headed grasshopper, largeheaded grasshopper, red-nosed grasshopper, big head, large-headed locust
Phoetaliotes nebrascensis is a medium-sized, slim spur-throated grasshopper distinguished by its disproportionately large head relative to body size. It is a dominant species in North American tallgrass prairie and common in lush patches of mixedgrass prairie. The species exhibits wing dimorphism: most adults have short, non-functional wings, while a small percentage possess long wings enabling flight. It feeds almost exclusively on grasses, an unusual trait among spur-throated grasshoppers.
Prokelisia
delphacid planthoppers
Prokelisia is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, containing approximately five described species. The genus is best known for P. marginata, a salt marsh specialist that exhibits striking wing dimorphism with flightless brachypter and fully winged macropter forms. These planthoppers feed on Spartina cordgrasses and serve as hosts for diverse parasitoid communities including egg parasitoids (Anagrus spp.), nymphal parasitoids (Gonatopus, Neon), and adult parasitoids (Eurypteryx). The genus has become a model system for studying the evolution and maintenance of dispersal polymorphisms in heterogeneous environments.
Pseudometapterus umbrosus
Pseudometapterus umbrosus is a species of thread-legged assassin bug (Reduviidae: Emesinae) native to North America. It exhibits wing dimorphism, with most individuals being micropterous (short-winged) and rare macropterous (fully winged) forms documented. The species has been studied for its life history and laboratory rearing potential.
Pterostichus melanarius
Rain Beetle
Pterostichus melanarius, commonly known as the rain beetle, is a ground beetle native to Europe that has become established in North America following introduction in the 1920s. Adults are 12–18 mm long, black with straight elytral striations, and exhibit wing dimorphism with both flight-capable (macropterous) and flightless (brachypterous) morphs. The species is a generalist predator of invertebrates, with documented preference for slugs including the invasive gray garden slug Deroceras reticulatum. It occupies diverse habitats including forests, meadows, urban areas, and agricultural fields, and has been widely studied for its potential as a biological control agent.
Reduvius sonoraensis
Reduvius sonoraensis is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is known to occur in Central America and North America. A distinctive feature of this species is the presence of two morphological types discernible by the fifth instar: individuals with short wing pads and those with long wing pads. This wing pad dimorphism represents an unusual developmental polymorphism within the genus Reduvius.
Schizaphis graminum
greenbug, wheat aphid, common wheat-louse
Schizaphis graminum, commonly known as the greenbug or wheat aphid, is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced worldwide and is a significant pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat and sorghum. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with wingless forms predominating early in the season and winged forms developing under crowded conditions to disperse to new hosts. It causes direct damage through feeding and toxin injection, and indirect damage as a vector of multiple plant viruses.
Sclerogibbidae
Sclerogibbidae is a small family of aculeate wasps within the superfamily Chrysidoidea. All modern species are specialized ectoparasitoids of Embioptera (webspinners). Females of extant species are wingless (apterous), a trait not shared by fossil species known from Cretaceous and Miocene ambers. The family has a sparse but geographically widespread distribution across tropical and subtropical regions.
Sphodrini
Sphodrini is a tribe of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Platyninae. The tribe comprises more than 30 genera and at least 910 described species. Members of this tribe exhibit considerable diversity in geographic distribution, ranging from the Himalayas and East Asia to Europe and the Middle East. Some genera, such as Pristosia, show complex biogeographic patterns associated with Tertiary Tibetan faunal components and Himalayan uplift.
Thesprotia graminis
American grass mantis, grass-like mantis
Thesprotia graminis is a small, cryptic mantid native to the southeastern United States. It exhibits remarkable camouflage resembling pine needles or grass blades, achieved through both coloration and posture. The species is notable as the only member of its genus occurring outside South America. It can reproduce both sexually and parthenogenetically.
cryptic-colorationparthenogenesissexual-dimorphismwing-dimorphismgrass-mimicrypine-needle-mimicrysoutheastern-US-endemichemimetabolousoothecabeneficial-insectThespidaemantodeapredatorycamouflage-behaviorpronotum-elongatesingle-dorsal-spine-forelegnon-feeding-first-instarpseudo-iteroparous-reproductionsemelparous-with-multiple-oothecaetympana-present-(unstudied)sexual-cannibalism-unknownTiphiinae
Tiphiinae is the larger of two subfamilies in the family Tiphiidae, with worldwide distribution. Members are small to medium solitary wasps, up to 25 mm in length. The subfamily includes approximately twelve genera, with Tiphia being the most species-rich and widely studied. Males possess wings; females may be winged or wingless, with wingless females showing distinct thoracic segmentation.
Velarifictorus
Velarifictorus is a genus of crickets in the family Gryllidae, tribe Gryllini. Species occur naturally across Australia, Asia, and Africa, with at least one species introduced to eastern North America. The genus includes both wing-dimorphic species exhibiting trade-offs between flight capability and reproduction, and species with discrete life cycle modes adapted to different climatic conditions.
Zoraptera
angel insects, ground lice
Zoraptera is a small insect order containing approximately 30–51 extant species across two families (Zorotypidae and Spiralizoridae). These tiny insects exhibit remarkable wing dimorphism: most individuals are wingless, pale, and eyeless, while a minority develop as dark, winged alates with compound eyes and ocelli that can shed their wings at a basal fracture line. They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests worldwide, living cryptically under bark, in rotting wood, or in leaf litter. Their phylogenetic position remains debated, with morphological evidence linking them to Embioptera and molecular data suggesting affinity with Dictyoptera or Dermaptera.