Abstract
The function and structure of the ovipositor in Hymenoptera have been studied intensively, although there is a lack of information on the external sheaths. We provide here a contribution on the structure of the external sheaths of the ovipositor of the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi, in particular the secretory structure is described for the first time. These glands are made up of a large epithelial structure that consists a single layer of large secretory cells that occupy most of the lumen of the valve and belong to gland cell class 1. Based on the different features of the glands, a lubricating and/or host marking function is hypothesized and discussed.
Highlights
The insect ovipositor has developed from the primary segmental appendages of the eighth and ninth abdominal segments (Scudder, 1961a, 1964, 1971)
We provide here a contribution on the structure of the external sheaths of the ovipositor of the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi, in particular the secretory structure is described for the first time
The epithelium is made up of a single layer of large secretory cells that occupy most of the valvula lumen (Fig. 2a, b)
Summary
The insect ovipositor has developed from the primary segmental appendages of the eighth and ninth abdominal segments (Scudder, 1961a, 1964, 1971). The function of the ovipositor in parasitic Hymenoptera is to lay eggs on or inside different species of suitable hosts living in very different habitats (Vilhelmsen, 2000; Vilhelmsen et al, 2001). It has a key role both in informing the parasitoid of the condition of the host and in marking the host with oviposition-deterring substances (Vinson, 1998; Ruschioni et al, 2015a). The third valvulae form the external sheath of the ovipositor (Vilhelmsen, 2003)
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