Table 1 Biological data corresponding to the 11 small RNA libraries used in the present work

NFE

Non-fertilized egg

Day 8 of the first gonadotrophic cycle (in preoviposition)

–

--

Not determined within the egg. High levels of 20E and JH in the surrounding haemolymph.

ED0

Embryo

8 h AO, when the ootheca is still vertical

2%.

Only yolk granules observed.

No detectable levels of 20E and JH

ED1

Embryo

24 h AO

6%

Energids at low density spread among the yolk granules. Tanaka stage 1

No detectable levels of 20E and JH

ED2

Embryo

48 h AO

12%

Abundant energids, germ band anlage well delimited, slightly expanded at both sides. Tanaka stage 2

Burst of 20E inferred from the expression of HR3 (a 20E–dependent gene). No detectable JH

ED6

Embryo

144 h AO

33%

Pleuropodia well apparent, legs segmented, caudal space arises. Tanaka stage 8

Peak of 20E. Very low levels of JH

ED13

Embryo

312 h AO

72%

Eyes well colored, antennae and legs reaching the 5th abdominal segment. Tanaka stage 15

Peak of 20E. High levels of JH

N1

1st nymphal instar

1–2 days old

–

–

High levels of 20E and JH

N3

3rd nymphal instar

2–4 days old

–

–

High levels of 20E and JH

N5

5th nymphal instar

3–5 days old

–

–

High levels of 20E and JH

N6

6th nymphal instar

5–7 days old

–

–

High levels of 20E, no JH

Adult

Adult (female)

5 days old

–

–

Low (ovarian) levels of 20E and high JH levels