Evolution of a novel appendage ground plan in water striders is driven by changes in the Hox gene Ultrabithorax.

Water striders, a group of semi-aquatic bugs adapted to life on the water surface, have evolved mid-legs (L2) that are long relative to their hind-legs (L3). This novel appendage ground plan is a derived feature among insects, where L2 function as oars and L3 as rudders. The Hox gene Ultrabithorax (...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Abderrahman Khila, Ehab Abouheif, Locke Rowe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2009-07-01
Series:PLoS Genetics
Online Access:http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC2709915?pdf=render