Sexual size and shape dimorphism in Brachydesmus troglobius Daday, 1889 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2020
Authors:V. Vujić, Lučić, L., Pavković-Lučić, S., Ilić, B., Jovanović, Z., Makarov, S. E., Dudić, B.
Journal:ZooKeys
Volume:930
Pagination:75-88
Date Published:28/04/2020
ISSN:1313-2989
Keywords:flat-backed millipedes, geometric morphometrics, intersexual morphological differences, polydesmidan millipedes, sexual shape dimorphism
Abstract:

Until now, morphological trait variation has been investigated in several millipede species using geometric morphometrics. The present study is the first attempt to explore sexual shape and size dimorphism (SShD and SSD) of morphological structures in Polydesmida. We here analyse antennal, head, and leg SShD and SSD in Brachydesmus troglobius Daday, 1889. Our results show that SSD exists in all of the analysed structures, while SShD is present only in the legs. In comparison with females, males possess longer and wider legs, as well as longer antennae and a shorter head. Contrary to previous findings in some Julida, in B. troglobius SSD of the antennae and legs varies more than SShD in these morphological structures.

URL:https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/48285/
DOI:10.3897/zookeys.930.48285
Short Title:ZK
Citation Key:293
Refereed Designation:Refereed
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith