Structure and development of the tracheal organ in the mesothoracic leg of the cricket Teleogryllus commodus (Walker).

Abstract

The tracheal organ of the mesothoracic tibia of Teleogryllus is located in a corresponding position to the tympanal organ of the prothoracic tibia. The mesothoracic organ contains an average of only 12 scolopidia, the location of which corresponds to that of the proximal group A and proximal main group in the prothoracid tympanal organ. There are no scolopidia corresponding to the distal group of the tympanal organ. The variability in number of scolopidia is much greater in the mesothoracic organ than in the prothoracic organ. The adult tracheal system of the mesothoracic leg resembles the early nymphal tracheal system in both pro- and meso-thoracic legs. The development of the tracheal organ is usually complete by the sixth instar. The mesothoracic tracheal organ of the adult is broadly equivalent to the prothoracic tympanal organ of a fifth instar animal.