Annie Nyu

The HITAR Institute Canada, British Columbia, Canada
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0012
Received: 09 Mar., 2024    Accepted: 21 Apr., 2024    Published: 12 May, 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Nyu A., 2024, Behavioral genetics of earwigs: molecular basis of sexual selection, circadian rhythms, and predatory behavior, Molecular Entomology, 15(3): 95-102 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0012)

Earwigs exhibit a diverse range of behaviors that are crucial for survival and reproduction, driven by complex genetic mechanisms. Behavioral genetics in insects has increasingly become a key area of study, and this study focuses on understanding the molecular basis of sexual selection, circadian rhythms, and predatory behavior in earwigs; investigates the genetic factors that influence mate choice and sexual dimorphism, as well as the behavioral traits that contribute to reproductive success; additionally, explores the genetic pathways regulating circadian rhythms and how environmental cues interact with these genes to control daily activity patterns. Furthermore, this study examined the genes responsible for predatory instincts, their molecular mechanisms, and the evolutionary advantages of these behaviors, especially in the context of pest control. By analyzing field populations and conducting laboratory studies, we gained insights into the genetic underpinnings of earwig behavior. These findings have potential applications in agricultural pest management, offering strategies to utilize earwigs' predatory behavior for natural pest control. Future research will further explore the ecological implications and genetic diversity of earwig populations.

Earwigs; Behavioral genetics; Sexual selection; Circadian rhythms; Predatory behavior