Monday, 15 November 2004 - 11:18 AM
0024

Functional reproductive morphology of the female Homalodisca coagulata (Cicadellidae: Proconiini) (Say) and associated sensilla

Natalie A. Hummel, nahummel@ucdavis.edu1, Christine Y. S. Peng, cyspeng@ucdavis.edu1, Nick C. Toscano, nick.toscano@ucr.edu2, and Frank G. Zalom, fgzalom@ucdavis.edu1. (1) University of California, Davis, Department of Entomology, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, (2) University of California, Riverside, Department of Entomology, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA

The functional reproductive morphology of the Homalodisca coagulata (Say) female is described using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. H. coagulata has nine abdominal segments, the tenth being the pygofer. The seventh through ninth abdominal segments are modified for reproduction. The eighth tergite is reduced to two segments, with the genitalia arising from the modified ninth tergite. The pygofer (pyg) almost completely encloses the genitalia, which consists of 3 valvulae (vl) and 2 valvifers (vlf). The distal portions of the first vl are located exterior to the second vl. The first and second vl function together as the ovipositor. The first vl and second vl have many mechanosensilla. The third vl, which have many potentially hygroreceptive sensilla, envelope the first vl and second vl, and are connected by a membrane, anteriorly and dorsally, to the pyg. The pyg, covered in mechanosensory hairs and potentially hygroreceptive sensilla, is split ventrally along the body mid-line, but appear to be one continuous segment dorsally. There are seven main muscles associated with the ovipositor and pyg. The reproductive system consists of one pair of ovaries with approximately ten ovarioles per ovary, paired lateral oviducts, common oviduct, spermatheca, bursa copulatrix and two types of accessory glands. The female morphology follows the general pattern of Cicadellids as a group.


Species 1: Homoptera Cicadellidae Homalodisca coagulata (glassy-winged sharpshooter)
Keywords: ovipositor, leafhopper

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