The systematic position of Chaitophorinae (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea) in the light of anatomy research

Abstract

AbstractThe structure of the male reproductive system of 14 Chaitophorine species is discussed: Chaitophorus capreae, C. leucomelas, C. nassonovi, C. populeti, C. populialbae, C. salicti, C. salijaponicus niger, C. tremulae, C. truncatus, C. vittelinae, Sipha maydis, Periphyllus aceris, P. coracinus, P. lyropictus. All species, except Sipha maydis, which lives on Poacea (grasses), feed on trees of the families Aceraceae (maples) and Salicaceae (poplars and willows). On the basis of longitudinal sections, cross-sections (paraffin method) and total preparation, the following elements in the structure of the male reproductive system have been examined: the number of testis follicles and the stage of the spermatogenesis; the connection of follicles and vasa deferentia, the position and the histological structure of the wall of vasa deferentia; and the development accessory glands and ejaculatory duct. These characters were then used to supplement morphological data in order to verify the taxonomic position of Chaitophorinae.