Long‐term captivity is associated with changes to sensory organ morphology in a critically endangered insect

Abstract Captive breeding programmes are key to many threatened species reintroduction strategies but could potentially be associated with adaptations captivity that maladaptive in their natural habitat. Despite the importance of sensory ecology biological fitness, few studies explore system captivity. environments devoid predators and provide ready access food sources potential mates, thus reducing need for individuals use signals cues identify locate resources or detect threats. With reduced complexity signalling environment, relaxation selective pressures may favour investment organs We test this prediction an iconic critically endangered invertebrate, Lord Howe Island stick insect Dryococelus australis , which was extirpated from island 1920s/30s rediscovered on a nearby volcanic stack, Ball's Pyramid, 2001. Using historical specimens these populations 8–10th 14th generations long‐term conservation captive programme, we examine differences behaviourally relevant morphological traits compound eyes (visual organs) antennae (olfactory organs). find is smaller eye size, ommatidia density antennal odour receptors. These changes indicative sensitivity visual olfactory cues, therefore likely have fitness implications when reintroducing population into wild. Synthesis applications . observe organ morphology between wild captive‐bred insect. Our results emphasise incorporating evolutionary biology programme design: minimise compromise systems support appropriate behaviours upon