Description of spermatheca and eggs of Eurygaster austriaca (Schrank, 1778) (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae),based on optical and scanning electron microscopy

Authors: SELAMİ CANDAN, ZEKİYE SULUDERE, MUSTAFA GÜLLÜ

Abstract: Spermatheca and egg morphology of Eurygaster austriaca (Schrank, 1778) were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The spermatheca of E. austriaca is characterized by a spermathecal bulb, a pumping region, distal and proximal flanges and ducts, and a genital chamber. Each female was shown to deposit 14 green eggs on average in mass. The spherical eggs averaged 1.05 ± 0.05 mm in diameter. The first external evidence of embryonic development was the appearance of 2 red eye spots opposite each other beneath operculum followed by the appearance of a blackish T-shaped egg-burster between the eye spots. The thickened highly sclerotized egg-burster has sucker-shaped structures on the both sides of the tail. Egg surfaces are covered with clearly marked polygon patterns with tubercles. There were 17-19 aero-micropylar processes shaped like truncated cones scattered among the polygons.

Keywords: Scanning electron microscope, egg, chorion, spermatheca, Eurygaster austriaca, Heteroptera

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