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

Authors

  • Kai Gloyna BTL Bio-Test Labor GmbH Sagerheide
  • Thomas Thieme BTL Bio-Test Labor GmbH Sagerheide
  • Stanislav Gorb Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany
  • Dagmar Voigt Technische Universität Dresden, Institute for Botany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14712/23361964.2014.3

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. 

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Published

2014-12-09

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Articles

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