Abstract: Wing polymorphism is one of insect polyphenism phenomena, including short-winged or apterous morph without flight ability and long-winged or alate morph for long distance migration. Wing polymorphism is often observed in vector insects that transmit plant pathogens, and therefore affects the spatial-temporal distribution and outbreak of plant diseases. In this article we reviewed the research progress of wing dimorphism in aphids and planthoppers from the genetic laws, induction factors, molecular mechanisms, and other physiological modification accompanying wing morph differentiation. Wing dimorphism is mainly induced by abiotic factors, such as temperature, humidity and photoperiod, and biotic factors, such as population density, host nutrition and viruses. The underlying molecular mechanisms are involved in the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway, c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, Wingless and olfactory receptor SaveOrco. Wing morph differentiation of insects is accompanied by changes in physiological status. The short-winged insects have stronger reproduction ability, while the long-winged insects contain richer flight muscle components. So far, the research of wing dimorphism is not comprehensive, and many problems need to be solved, such as identifying the target genes in the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway, the regulation mechanisms of JNK on wing dimorphism and the molecular mechanisms of wing dimorphism mediated by viruses in vector insects. This review may shed light on the control of vector-borne pathogens and the research of wing polymorphism of other insects.

Key words: Vector insect, wing polymorphism, wing morph differentiation, wing dimorphism, molecular mechanism, plant disease