However, different types of AMs are found within monophyletic groups, and our ancestral character state reconstruction suggests smooth euplantulae in the ground pattern of Euphasmatodea and multiple independent origins of other forms. Previously, the evolution of different adhesive microstructures (AMs) on these pads has been suggested to reflect phylogenetic groups. We mapped the morphological data from the SEM onto a phylogenetic tree we reconstructed based on molecular data.
Nine different types of attachment structures can be distinguished whereby one, the nubby type, can be further divided into three different distinct types based on the specific ratio of each conical outgrowth. The diversity of euplantular microstructures of 56 species that represent all major lineages recognized within Phasmatodea and the whole biogeographical distribution of the group are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The euplantulae are adhesive structures capable of adaptability to the substrate profile and generation of the required attachment strength. In Phasmatodea, attachment on different substrates is achieved by two types of pads on the legs: the euplantulae on the tarsomeres and the arolium on the pretarsus. Insects have developed specialized structures on their feet for adhering to surfaces, with stick and leaf insects or Phasmatodea exhibiting an unexpectedly high diversity of these structures. 4Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.3School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.2Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand.1Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.Buckley 2,3 Constanze Grohmann 1 Stanislav N.
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