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THE EPIPHYSIS OF THE GYPSY MOTH, LYMANTRIA DISPAR (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE): STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

T. M. ODell
Affiliation:
United States Department of Agriculture
K. S. Shields
Affiliation:
United States Department of Agriculture
V. C. Mastro
Affiliation:
United States Department of Agriculture
T. J. Kring
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843

Abstract

The external structure, cellular structure, and function of the tibial epiphysis of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), are described. Scanning electron micrographs and histological preparations indicate that the epiphysis of the male gypsy moth is an efficient antennal comb, but behavioral studies indicate it is not required for either precopulatory stimulation or for orientation to sex pheromones. The acanthae covering the inner surface of the epiphysis appear to have only a mechanical function.

Résumé

La structure externe, la structure cellulaire et la fonction de l'épiphyse tibiale de la spongieuse, Lymantria dispar (L.), font l'objet de descriptions. Des micrographies en MEB et des préparations histologiques indiquent que l'épiphyse du mâle de la spongieuse est un peigne antennaire efficace, mais des études comportementales montrent qu'il n'est pas nécessaire, soit pour la stimulation pré-copulatoire, soit pour l'orientation aux phéromones sexuelles. Les acanthae couvrant la surface interne de l'épiphyse semblent n'avoir qu'une fonction mécanique.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1982

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