Autotomy does not reduce fitness in female Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae)

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ID: 320220
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Autotomy is the phenomenon of dropping one or more limbs in response to attempted predation, injury, or entrapment. The benefits of autotomy are well established, but studies of costs to fitness have mostly been limited to species where limbs are regenerated after loss. The effects of autotomy on intrinsic survival and fecundity thus remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the impacts of autotomy on survival and fecundity in female leaf-footed cactus bugs, Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae) Stål. We found that losing one or both hind legs does not reduce survival or reproductive outcomes for bugs raised in controlled environmental conditions. Therefore, female leaf-footed bugs are capable of undergoing extreme autotomy without measurable fitness costs.
Reference Key
openalex_W7167793195 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors James C. Boothroyd, Steve M. Smit, Lauren A. Cirino, Sam Zlotnik, Christine W. Miller
Journal annals of the entomological society of america
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/aesa/saag014
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saag014
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