Review paper
Hormonal regulation of wing polymorphism in insects
Lv, Qiuting; Zhang, Yunhui; Zhou, Xuguo; Zhu, Xun; Li, Xiangrui
published online: Oct 23, 2025
manuscript accepted: Aug 10, 2025
manuscript revision received: Aug 7, 2025
manuscript revision requested: Jun 30, 2025
manuscript received: Apr 26, 2025
Abstract
Wing polymorphism is an adaptive strategy that enables insect populations to balance dispersal and reproduction in response to changing environmental conditions. Insects exhibiting this trait develop distinct morphological morphs, such as winged (alate) and wingless (apterous) morphs, responding to environmental cues. Winged forms facilitate long-distance migration to escape unfavorable conditions, while wingless forms typically exhibit higher reproductive capacity. This review systematically explores the hormonal regulation of wing polymorphism, with a focus on three key hormones, including insulin, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), and juvenile hormone (JH). Specifically, we explore how these hormones integrate environmental signals and interact with microRNAs (miRNAs), as well as their crosstalk with major signaling pathways governing wing development, including Wnt, Hippo, Notch, Hedgehog (Hh) and Jun-NH2-terminal Kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. In addition, we highlight the potential applications of hormone-targeting strategies in pest control. This comprehensive review not only provides new insights into the genetic and hormonal basis governing wing polymorphism, but also opens new avenues for the development of integrated pest management strategies.
Keywords
insulin • 20-hydroxyecdysone • juvenile hormone • miRNAs • pest control