Evolutionary Genetics of Insect Mimicry and Masquerade

Abstract

As classic examples of adaptive evolution, insect mimicry and masquerade have been studied extensively for more than a century. Both phenomena protect insects from predators and are widely observed in nature. Previous research on phenotypic, genetic, phylogenetic, and behavioral aspects has laid a solid foundation for in-depth investigations. Recent advances in genomic data resources, analytical methodologies, and gene-editing tools have greatly facilitated the elucidation of the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying insect mimicry and masquerade. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress, encompassing key insect lineages such as Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Odonata, and Mantodea; highlights the pivotal roles of evolutionary hot spot genes, noncoding sequences, and structural variations in driving phenotypic diversification and adaptation; and offers novel insights into fundamental evolutionary questions such as sexual dimorphism, convergent evolution, and speciation. Furthermore, this review outlines the ongoing challenges and future prospects in the evolutionary genetics of insect mimicry and masquerade.