Differences in adipokinetic response of Pyrrhocoris apterus (Heteroptera) in relation to wing dimorphism and diapause

Summary Three experimental groups of adult females (reproductive and diapausing brachypters, and macropters with reproductive arrest) of Pyrrhocoris apterus (Linnaeus) (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae) from a temperate population were analysed for their adipokinetic responses. The adipokinetic response, expressed as an increase of haemolymph lipids after injection of adipokinetic hormone from Locusta migratoria (Lom‐AKH‐I), was assessed in relation to age, wing dimorphism and type of reproductive arrest. Two pmols of Lom‐AKH‐I were used for determination of adipokinetic responses. The increase of haemolymph lipids in all experimental groups of females induced by this dose of the hormone was comparable with that induced by crude extract of the bug’s own corpora cardiaca. The level of adipokinetic response after injection of 2 pmol of Lom‐AKH‐I was significantly higher in macropterous and diapausing brachypterous females than in reproductive brachypterous females. However, significantly higher contents of haemolymph lipids in control macropterous females than those found in the control reproductive and diapausing brachypterous females of the corresponding age revealed wing‐morph‐related differences in lipid metabolism. The observed wing morph‐ and diapause‐related differences in the content of haemolymph lipids and adipokinetic response, respectively, are discussed in relation to the different roles of two wing morphs in the life history of this heteropteran.