Abstract: 【Aim】 Insect cuticular proteins (CPs) play important roles in development, evaporation resistance and defense against other adverse environmental factors. In this study, the CPs gene family in Delia antiqua was identified based on transcriptome data and their expression in non-diapausing and winter-diapausing puape were investigated, so as to provide a basis for further investigation of the role of CPs in stress tolerance during diapausing period. 【Methods】 The CPs gene family of D. antiqua was identified based on transcriptome data using bioinformatics approaches, and analyses of subcellular localization, phylogeny and conserved domains were also performed. The expression of 12 genes in non-diapausing and winter-diapausing pupae was evaluated by RT-qPCR. 【Results】 Eighty-one CP genes were identified and categorized into CPR (71 genes), CPAP (5 genes) and CPLC (5 genes) subfamily, respectively. They encode proteins with 92-495 amino acids and pI of 3.90-9.93. Bioinformatic prediction showed that the molecular weight of CPs ranges from 8.692 to 52.2 kD. Subcellular localizationprediction revealed that 67 CPs are excreted protein. Among them, 12 genes had significantly different expression patterns between non-diapausing and winter-diapausing pupae, suggesting that they have stage-specific response to low temperature or short-day condition. 【Conclusion】 Functional diversity of some CPs genes from D. antiqua may contribute to the reconstruction of pupal cuticle. Our results would provide a basis for further studies on pupal cuticle structure and their potential functions in stress resistance during the diapausing period.

Key words: Dalia antiqua, cuticular proteins (CPs), gene family, diapause, bioinformatics, expression analysis