Features of the structure of hymenoptera associated with miniaturization: 1. Anatomy of the fairyfly Anaphes flavipes (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae)

Abstract

Anatomy of the adult fairyfly Anaphes flavipes (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae) is described in detail for the first time, based on series of sections and 3D computer reconstruction. Despite its tiny size, A. flavipes does not demonstrate strong morphological simplification, except for the merging of certain skeletal elements, a slight simplification of endoskeleton, lack of midgut muscles, a reduced number of Malpighian tubules, simplification of the tracheal and circulatory systems, asymmetry of the central nervous system, and the absence of several muscles.