Work

Breaking sex boundaries: The first record of a gynandromorph in a phalangopsid cricket (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sexual anomalies, particularly gynandromorphism and intersexuality, have been documented across a wide range of invertebrate groups including insects. This study reports the first record of gynandromorphism in a phalangopsid cricket, Endecous (Notendecous) potiguar. A detailed morphological characterization of the anomalous specimen is provided, with its traits compared to those of conspecific males and females collected concurrently from the same cave in which the anomalous individual was discovered. The specimen displays a striking mosaic of male and female features, including a malformed phallic complex and ovipositor. Beyond documenting this rare condition, these findings may provide a foundation for future investigations into the evolution, homology, and ontogeny of sexual traits particularly within crickets.

Source: Journal of Orthoptera Research

DOI: 10.3897/jor.35.193650

Authors: Pedro H. Mendes-Carvalho, Rodrigo L. Ferreira

Institution: Universidade Federal de Lavras

Language: English

Topic: Orthoptera Research and Taxonomy

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $150

Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade