Manganese and zinc in the ovipositors and mandibles of hymenopterous insects

Abstract

X-ray microanalysis of the ovipositor and mandibles of various hymenopterous insects has revealed the presence in many species of up to 10% wt/wt of either zinc or manganese in the cuticle. These metals appear to be involved in cuticular hardening, so helping to reduce abrasive wear. Zinc is found in the ovipositors of most Siricidae, Stephanoidea, and Chalcidoidea. In Ichneumonoidea and Cynipoidea, the metal involved is manganese. Megalyroidea are unique in the Hymenoptera in having both zinc and manganese in their ovipositors, though in different locations. Except for Bethylidae, no metals were detected in the ovipositors or stings of species that penetrate soft substrates or do not make holes at all. The cutting edge of the mandibles of many insects that chew their way through hard substrates during egress from their pupation sites almost invariably contain high concentrations of zinc, and this is present in many that lack metals in their ovipositor. The phylogenetic and ecological implications of metal occurrence are discussed.