Present knowledge on the presence of hemocyanin in stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera)

Abstract

Hemocyanin is a respiratory protein that occurs in the main lineages of Arthropoda. In insects hemocyanin is presently known in many orders. Recently, a functional hemocyanin has also been found in the Plecoptera. Further studies have revealed that hemocyanin seems to be not uniformly distributed within this order. In this paper we report additional data, obtained with RT-PCR sequencing, on the presence of hemocyanin in different stonefly species. In addition, we summarise the present knowledge about the distribution of hemocyanin in the Plecoptera. Biological aspects such as larval size, life cycle length, trophic roles and environmental induction are discussed as possible factors that may be correlated with the presence or absence of hemocyanin in the studied species.