Background We challenge the oft-repeated claim that the beetles (Coleoptera) are the most
species-rich order of animals. Instead, we assert that another order of insects, the …

Insect parasites and parasitoids are a major component of terrestrial food webs. For
parasitoids, categorization is whether feeding activity is located inside or outside its host, if …

The last 10 years have seen more research on insect macroevolution than all the previous
years combined. Here, I summarize and criticise the claims that have been made by …

The tracheal (respiratory) system is regarded as one of the key elements which enabled
insects to conquer terrestrial habitats and, as a result, achieve extreme species diversity …

Highlights•Insect comparative studies teach us about the evolution of phenotypic
diversity.•They use cross-taxonomic data, and require a phylogeny and analytical …

Polyneopteran insects have relatively large genomes compared to holometabolous insects,
which appear constrained by a threshold of 2 pg/1C DNA. This threshold may be due to …

This paper summarizes current morphological data on pupal stages of representatives of the
'Opatrinoid'clade (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae). Based on recovered knowledge gaps …

Understanding how individual body size is affected by habitat quality allows us to assess the
consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation on the morphology of arthropods. In this …

The tracheal system comprises one of the major adaptations of insects towards a terrestrial
lifestyle. Many aspects such as the modifications towards wing reduction or a life in an arid …

The life history of an organism describes its pattern of growth, reproduction, and survival,
and thus is closely linked to fitness. Between species, life history traits vary widely and one …