Reed beetle Donacia marginata (IMAGE)
Caption
Reed beetle Donacia marginata. Reed beetles have a semi-aquatic lifestyle. This means that their larvae develop underwater in ponds or streams, while the adults live outside the water. This is an unusual lifestyle for beetles. While the larvae feed on root sap, the adult beetles feed on leaves or flowers. The ecological diversity of reed beetle species, coupled with the distinct lifestyles of their larvae and adults, offers a valuable opportunity to systematically investigate and compare gene expression, as well as the form and localization of symbionts in their hosts, across the different developmental stages.
Credit
Martin Kaltenpoth, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator. Adaptations must be shared under the same terms.
License
CC BY-SA