Development and ultrastructure of cells of the sex pheromone gland in the white-marked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Abstract

In pharate adults of female Orgyia leucostigma the pheromone gland cells are columnar. They change to goblet-shaped cells during the day preceding emergence. Concurrently, endocuticular extensions follow the contour of the neck of each goblet cell. Until 12–24 hr following emergence of the adult female, gland cell cytoplasm contains short profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes. In cells from 1-, 2- and 3-day-old virgin and 1-day-old mated females extensive well-organized smooth cisternal and rough endoplasmic reticulum predominate. Arrays of membranes, forming unusual organelles are located near the nuclei. They are associated with the Golgi complexes, rough endoplasmic reticulum and microbodies. Microvilli are variable in length and sometimes absent. Cuticular ultrastructure is the same as that of the pharate adult, and is not affected by surface extraction with hexane.