Fine structure of wax glands, wax morphology and function in the female scale insect, Pulvinaria regalis canard. (Hemiptera : Coccidae)

Abstract

The fine structure of wax glands and their secretions are described; their function is discussed in the female scale insect Pulvinaria regalis Canard (Homoptera : Coccidae). The quinquelocular wax glands, composed of only one type of glandular cell, whose cytoplasm contains a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, are associated with stigmatic furrows. They produce white hydrophobic waxy secretions that protect the air passage going to the spiracles. Both the multilocular wax gland, formed from one type of glandular cell producing white C-shaped curled filaments, and the tubular wax gland, comprised of 2 types of glandular cell (lateral cells with well-developed SER and one central glandular cell with well-developed RER), produce long white filaments that are associated with the constructions of the ovisac. In order to avoid honeydew contamination, the scale insect propels excrement away from the body by an anal apparatus. The 6 setae of this device, which play the role of a catapult, are covered by wax filaments produced by numerous small glands whose pores open onto the anal ring.