Morphology of eggs and spermatheca of Odontotarsus purpureolineatus (Heteroptera, Scutelleridae)

Abstract

The morphology of the spermatheca and eggs of Odontotarsus purpureolineatus were studied by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The spherical eggs were about 1.35 mm long and 1.09 mm wide. The egg batches generally consist of 13-14 eggs. The egg surface is covered by polygonal (hexagonal and pentagonal shapes prevail) ridges and tiny chorionic tubercles. There were 8-10 aero-micropylar processes between the polygons. The spermatheca of O. purpureolineatus is characterized by a spherical spermathecal bulb, a pumping region, a flange of pump and dilation of spermathecal duct. Spermathecal processes and a median spermathecal dilation with sclerotized rod are missing. The spermathecal bulb and the pumping region possess many pores.

A newly discovered sperm transport system in the female of Lygaeidae bugs

“…However, Gschwentner & Tadler (2000) report being unable to elicit contractions of this muscle layer using electrical stimulation, and the role of this muscle has not been ascertained. Musculature is described at the base of the spermatheca in a variety of insects (Heming‐van Battum & Heming, 1986; Kocorek & Danielczok‐Demska, 2002; Candan et al , 2007) and is considered to be part of a spermathecal pump that moves material from the spermatheca into the spermathecal duct. This concept is supported by the relationship of these muscles to the spermathecal complex of the three bugs examined in the present study.…”

Morphology of spermathecae of some pentatomids (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) from Turkey

“…Two very important works on the female and male genitalia of Pentatomoidea were published by Kumar (1962) and McDonald (1966). In recent years, morphological studies of Hemiptera spermatheca have been conducted by many investigators (Servadei 1964, Vavrinova 1988, Kim & Lee 1994, Gschwentner & Tadler 2000, Brailovsky & Barrera 2001, Kocorek & Danielczok-Demska 2002, Candan et al 2007, Candan 2008, Pluot-Sigwalt & Lis 2008, Candan et al 2010, 2012, 2014, Stacconi & Romani 2011. As a result of all these studies, it is safe to state that the structure of the spermatheca in the Heteroptera is complex and diverse, being a source of valuable systematic characters.…”

Shield Bugs (Scutelleridae)

“…Internal genitalia, especially the development and shape of the conjunctival projections and phallotheca, are usually diagnostic. Variations in the spermatheca, including the shape of the spermathecal bulb, and distal and proximal fl anges are important as described by authors such as McDonald ( 1966 ), Kumar ( 1965), and Candan et al ( 2007.…”