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The mechanisms underlying the evolution of morphological novelties have remained enigmatic but co-option of existing gene regulatory networks (GRNs), recruitment of genes and the evolution of orphan genes have all been suggested to contribute. Here, we study a morphological novelty of beetle pupae called gin-trap. By combining the classical candidate gene approach with unbiased screening in the beetle Tribolium castaneum, we find that 70% of the tested components of the wing network were required for gin-trap development. However, many downstream and even upstream components were not included in the co-opted network. Only one gene was recruited from another biological context, but it was essential for the anteroposterior symmetry of the gin-traps, which represents a gin-trap-unique morphological innovation. Our data highlight the importance of co-option and modification of GRNs. The …