A canonical discriminant analysis of post-embryonic development in Notonecta Maculata fabricius (Insecta:Heteroptera)

A multivariate method, canonical discriminant analysis, was used to discern a pattern of growth in Notonecta maculata. A stepwise procedure reduced the 11 metrical characters measured on individuals of both sexes, from the 1st larval stage to the adult, to 4 significant variates which were used in the canonical analysis. The four canonical variates accounted for the meaningful part of the variablity. Relying on bivariate allometry and on an experimentation with a juvenile hormone analogue, each independent direction of variation was related to combined effects of such biological factors as a general growth trend, sex and juvenile hormone.