Wing dimorphism of the water strider Limnogonus franciscanus (Stål) (Heteroptera: Gerridae) in a seasonal tropical climate

Abstract

The seasonal occurrence of wing morphs of Limnogonus franciscanus was studied in a mangrove swamp by taking monthly samples during nineteen months. Altogether 428 males and 413 females were collected. The percentage of winged individuals remained constant at ca. 3.2% throughout the study period. There were no differences between sexes in the proportions of winged and wingless morphs. The frequency of gravid females peaked during the rainy periods.