European Journal of Entomology

A particular case of the alteration of the organization of a developmental module is presented, viz. mixed gynandromorphism in Creobroter gemmatus, in which a male exhibits the usual fore- and hind wing venation and shape of its sex, but patterns of coloration typical of females. Homologies between corresponding areas of the fore- and hind wings are suggested. "Feminization" is defined as the occurrence of traits typical of the female phenotype in a male, and is suggested as a plausible way in which insect wing morphology may be transformed.

Address
Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, Institute of Geology, Department of Palaeontology, Bernhard-von-Cotta Str. 2, D-09596 Freiberg, Germany; e-mail: obethoux@yahoo.fr

Keywords
Homology, modular organization, mixed gynandromorphism, feminization, evolution, Hymenopodidae