A preliminary geometric morphometric analysis of wing shape variation among seven important species of the genus Ptecticus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Author of the article:LIU Shi-Yi** ZHANG Ting-Ting***
Author's Workplace:Laboratory of Insect Classification and Systematic Evolution, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Key Words:Ptecticus; venation morphology; geometric morphometrios; landmarks
Abstract:
[Aim] Geometric
morphometric analysis was carried out on the wings of seven species of Ptecticus,
to provide a new species identification method. [Methods] Quantitative
analysis of seven species of Ptecticus was carried out using the landmarks method. A total of 28 landmarks were
selected from each wing photo. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis,
and canonical variable analysis was used to explore the morphological variation
of the wing veins. [Results] There were significant differences in the
morphology of the wings, primarily located at the ends of subcosta and radial
vein. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed relatively small
differences in wing shape between P. fukienensis, P. vulpianus,
and P. srilankai compared with other species. Canonical variable
analysis was able to distinguish between the seven species, and the
classification effect was optimal. [Conclusion] This article demonstrates the feasibility of applying geometric morphology
methods for the classification of Stratiomyidae. Canonical variable analysis of
28 landmarks was able to classify seven species of Ptecticus. The findings of this study establish a foundation for
further research into the use of geometric morphometrics for species
identification.