Home News Wing genes responsible for tiny treehopper’s extraordinary helmet

Wing genes responsible for tiny treehopper’s extraordinary helmet

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Why the treehopper developed the enlarged, three-dimensional hood ornament that distinguishes it from the rest of the insect world remains a mystery to scientists, though it’s theorized that mimicry or camouflage designed to protect it from predators is a likely reason. But a study from researchers in UConn’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, published today in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, is shedding new light on a long-running debate over just how treehopper’s helmet evolved.

Source: ScienceDaily.com