Genomics of the semi-aquatic bugs (Heteroptera; Gerromorpha): recent advances toward establishing a model lineage for the study of phenotypic evolution

International audienceGerromorpha, also known as semi-aquatic bugs, present the 7 striking capability to walk on water surface, which has long 8 attracted the interest of many scientists. Yet our understanding 9 of the mechanisms associated with their adaptation and 10 diversification within this new habitat remain largely unknown. 11 In this review we discuss how new transcriptomic and genomic 12 resources have contributed to establish the Gerromorpha as an 13 important lineage to study phenotypic evolution. In particular 14 we outline the impact of recent comparative transcriptomic 15 analyses and first published genomes to advance our 16 understanding of genomic basis of adaptations to water 17 surface locomotion Q3 and sexual dimorphism