Abstract
Teratological cases of the antennae in the family Aradidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are widely described for the first time. Four hundred seventy-six specimens of flat bugs were studied, and antennal malformations were found in 14 of them (2.94%) (belonging to eight species and three subfamilies: Aradinae, Aneurinae and Mezirinae). All of the teratologies were observed using optical microscopy; moreover, in order to determine any compensatory regeneration, selected cases were also studied using a scanning electron microscope. In almost all of the specimens, the successful regeneration of the sensory organs to various degrees was observed. Additional results were the discovery of a previously unrecognized type of sensillum in flat bugs – a campaniform sensillum as well as significant differences in the distribution of the sensilla depending on the systematic affiliation.
Highlights
Teratological cases of the antennae in the family Aradidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are widely described for the first time
Fourteen teratological specimens of eight species belonging to three subfamilies of flat bugs were examined: Aradus betulae (Linnaeus, 1758), Aradus betulinus Fallén, 1807, Aradus conspicuus HerrichSchäffer, 1835, Aradus corticalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Aradus depressus (Fabricius, 1794), Aradus erosus Fallén, 1807 (Aradinae); Aneurus laevis (Fabricius, 1775) (Aneurinae); Brachyrhynchus membranaceus (Fabricius, 1798) (Mezirinae)
In studies within Tingidae, one teratological case was found per 40 collected specimens (2.5%)[36]
Summary
Teratological cases of the antennae in the family Aradidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are widely described for the first time. Antennal anomalies in Pentatomomorpha have been observed much more frequently than in other infraorders and they have been found in a number of families that belong to this group[15,24,25]. The remaining segments in that case grew abnormally larger and with bristle patterns characteristic of the last two antennal segments, suggesting compensation of the lost segments by excessive growth[23,26,27]. The functional interpretation of the regenerated antennal segments and their sensilla is very poorly understood – in periods of the greatest interest in teratological cases in Heteroptera, no satisfactorily technique was advanced. Several species feed on the sap of dying or living trees[28]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
