EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
The European Journal of Environmental Sciences offers a mixture of original peer-reviewed research papers, which bring you some of the most exciting developments in environmental sciences in the broadest sense, often with an inter- or trans-disciplinary perspective, focused on the European problems. The journal also includes critical reviews on topical issues, and overviews of the status of environmental protection in particular regions or countries. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including direct or indirect interactions between abiotic or biotic components of the environment, interactions of environment with human society, or environmental sustainability.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, Vol 4 No 2 (2014), 97–101

New results on sexual differences in tarsal adhesive setae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

Kai Gloyna, Thomas Thieme, Stanislav Gorb, Dagmar Voigt

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14712/23361964.2014.3
published online: 10. 12. 2014

abstract

Previous light microscopy studies revealed a hairless patch on the feet of male Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. However, in related species of chrysomelid beetles the males have special adhesive setae with discoid terminals, which adhere to the elytra of females during copulation. In the present study, we examined the pretarsi of D. virgifera virgifera at a high magnification using scanning electron microscopy. The distinct sexual tarsal dimorphism in this species is confirmed. However, our results do not support the presence of a hairless patch on the feet of males, but a field of densely-packed male-specific adhesive setae with discoid terminals.

keywords: attachment system; mating; morphology; sexual dimorphism; western corn rootworm

210 x 297 mm
periodicity: 2 x per year
print price: 150 czk
ISSN: 1805-0174
E-ISSN: 2336-1964

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