Abstract

ABSTRACT The parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is an important control agent for several species of fruit flies. Research on the characteristics of the reproductive system and reproductive biology of this parasitoid can be valuable for studies in taxonomy and phylogeny of insects of the order Hymenoptera. In this study we analyzed the histology and histochemistry of the male reproductive system of D. longicaudata. In this species the male reproductive system consists of a pair of testes, two accessory glands, and an ejaculatory duct. Each testicle consists of only one follicle. The testicular follicles are filled with cysts in different stages of spermatogenesis. Histochemical analyses detected proteins and carbohydrates in the cytoplasm of secretory cells and in the lumen of accessory glands. The morphology of the male reproductive system of D. longicaudata differs in some respects from other species of Hymenoptera.

Highlights

  • Hymenoptera is one of the four largest insect orders with approximately 115.000 described species (Sharkey, 2007)

  • The present study describes the anatomy and histology of the male reproductive system of the parasitoid D. longicaudata

  • The male reproductive system of D. longicaudata consists of a pair of testes connected to two deferent ducts, a pair of seminal vesicles, two accessory glands, and an ejaculatory duct (Figs. 1A and B)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Hymenoptera is one of the four largest insect orders with approximately 115.000 described species (Sharkey, 2007). The parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmed) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is one of the most important species used in biological control of fruit flies worldwide (Montoya et al, 2000; González et al, 2007; López et al, 2009; Meirelles et al, 2016). This braconid parasitizes second and third-instar larvae of fruit flies of the family Tephritidae (Van Nieuwenhove and Ovruski, 2011). It was introduced into Brazil by Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura Tropical in 1994, aiming to control Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (Carvalho, 2005)

Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call