Setal Types Research Articles

Setal morphology of oral apparatus of Aegla longirostri Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 (Decapoda: Aeglidae).

The seta, a type of projection of the cuticle in crustaceans, has essential mechanical and sensory functions. Due to the diversity of their morphology and distribution patterns on the articles of different appendages, setae can be helpful as taxonomic characters. To assist future studies on the potential use of setae as a diagnostic character in aeglids, we used scanning electron microscopy to analyze the morphology of setae from the oral apparatus of Aegla longirostri Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994, and compared our data to the literature. We identified nine setal types (simple, serrate, stout serrate, sword, plumose, pappose, comb, serrulate, and cuspidate), of which the last two had not been previously described in adult aeglids. Our results are a first step towards future comparisons of setal morphology in the genus Aegla, which includes cryptic species complexes, to ascertain the usefulness of setae as a character to aid in the description of species of this group, which has a conserved general morphology.

The diversity, evolution, and development of setal morphologies in bumble bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus spp.).

Bumble bees are characterized by their thick setal pile that imparts aposematic color patterns often used for species-level identification. Like all bees, the single-celled setae of bumble bees are branched, an innovation thought important for pollen collection. To date no studies have quantified the types of setal morphologies and their distribution on these bees, information that can facilitate understanding of their adaptive ecological function. This study defines several major setal morphotypes in the common eastern bumble bee Bombus impatiens Cresson, revealing these setal types differ by location across the body. The positions of these types of setae are similar across individuals, castes, and sexes within species. We analyzed the distribution of the two most common setal types (plumose and spinulate) across the body dorsum of half of the described bumble bee species. This revealed consistently high density of plumose (long-branched) setae across bumble bees on the head and mesosoma, but considerable variation in the amount of metasomal plumosity. Variation on the metasoma shows strong phylogenetic signal at subgeneric and smaller group levels, making it a useful trait for species delimitation research, and plumosity has increased from early Bombus ancestors. The distribution of these setal types suggests these setae may serve several functions, including pollen-collecting and thermoregulatory roles, and probable mechanosensory functions. This study further examines how and when setae of the pile develop, evidence for mechanosensory function, and the timing of pigmentation as a foundation for future genetic and developmental research in these bees.

Much more than hooked: Setal adaptations for camouflage in Macrocoeloma trispinosum (Latreille, 1825) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)

Several majoid crabs are known to adhere exogenous materials to their bodies, a behaviour called decoration. Until now, the adhesion of exogenous materials to the body is most attributed to the well-known hooked setae. Here, we analysed the carapace of Macrocoeloma trispinosum (Latreille, 1825) under light and electron microscopy to study the different mechanisms allowing majoid crabs to decorate themselves. Five setal types are described here, of which four for the first time: velvet type I, velvet type II, depressa and cattail seta. These setae are morphologically and histologically detailed, and new hypotheses about the fixation of exogenous material on the carapace are explored. M. trispinosum has a complex setal apparatus for the adhesion of the decoration, with tegumental ducts along the shaft of most setae. These tegumental ducts are connected to glands formed by large cells arranged radially (rosette or acini) at the base of the setae, in the connective tissue, just below the epithelium. We could observe these glands in different stages of maturation, and no valve-like structure was observed, which may indicate a continuous flow of protein secretion that could serve as an adhesive substance found in the apex of most setae. This is the first record indicating a potential chemical adhesion mechanism aiding the masking process in decorator crabs.

Setal descriptions, locations, and abundances: Their impacts on decorating behaviors in the spider crab Libinia (Crustacea: Epialtidae).

The setal abundances and distributions of the spider crab Libinia are examined, using two species. These spider crabs decorate their bodies with environmental materials and camouflage from predators. These decorations attach to hooked setae, but other types setae are prevalent in body regions where decorations occur. Adult crabs undergo a terminal molt and lose the ability to regrow setae. Little is known about setal changes over the lifetime in these crabs and if hooked setae abundance decreases with age, resulting in a loss of camouflage strategy in larger individuals. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and abundance of hooked and non-hooked setae in the decorated body regions and if these setal patterns vary by species and body size. Scanning electron microscopy is used along with computer software to describe, count, and measure the setal coverage of hooked and non-hooked setae in body regions. Small individuals have more hooked setae than larger individuals and the two species have different setal abundances of hooked and non-hooked setae. Non-hooked setae cover much surface areas of crabs, attach decorations, and remain on the crabs even when hooked setae are damaged and broken. Setal morphologies and fouling are described among different sized crabs and the two species, with setal types and morphologies being similar but fouling being different. Large individuals likely employ a different camouflage strategy than small individuals due to losing hooked setae but retaining non-hooked setae.

Morphology of camouflage by encrustation in the spider crabs Schizophrys dahlak and Hyastenus hilgendorfi (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea: Epialtidae) from the Suez Canal, Egypt

ABSTRACT The spider crabs Schizophrys dahlak Griffin and Tranter, 1986 and Hyastenus hilgendorfi De Man, 1887 achieve camouflage through encrusting, allowing sessile organisms such as sponges and also masses of detritus to settle on the crabs and concealing them. Other spider crabs are decorators: they deliberately attach pieces of sponges, algae, etc. to the hooked setae of their bodies. The two species studied herein have hooked setae, but the concealing material is not in obligate association with them. We predicted that these crabs would have intricate setal morphology and unique carapace features that trapped detritus, assisted by the settlement of macro-epibionts, and aiding the crab in attaching pieces of algae, etc. Eight and 10 setal types were discovered and photographed on the exoskeletons of S. dahlak and H. hilgendorfi, respectively. The carapace of S. dahlak was characterised by surface protuberances with clusters of setae as well as patches of denticles in three distributional patterns. Hyastenus hilgendorfi had clusters of denticles located only on orbital regions. Other species of Schizophrys may have far less encrusting material than we saw in S. dahlak. We suspect that the heavy encrustation of these crabs may be related to the turbid environment in the Suez Canal.

Ecomorphological Adaptations of Second Maxilliped-setation: Insights from Three Species of Fiddler Crabs from Panama.

The functional morphology of maxilliped-setation in three species of fiddler crabs-Petruca panamensis, Leptuca terpsichores and L. beebei-collected from Panama were studied using a comparative ecomorphological approach. The coverage of spoon-tipped (ST) and plumose (P) setae on the inner surface of the second maxilliped were noted, and the abundance of each setal type was enumerated, with crab carapace width as the covariate. These attributes were then related to the sediment particle size characterization of their respective collection sites for an ecomorphological comparison. All three species have mixed setation, albeit in different proportions of coverage. For L. terpsichores, the ST:P coverage was consistently ca. 70%:30% whereas there was approximately equal coverage of both setal types (i.e., 50% ST:50% P) on the maxillipeds of L. beebei and P. panamensis. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) results of setal counts between the sexes in each species showed that the number of ST and P setae did not differ significantly between males and females, indicating an absence of sexual dimorphism in mouthpart setae. When all three species were compared-sexes combined within each species-ANCOVA results reveal that for any crab of a given size, there were significantly more ST setae on the second maxilliped of L. terpsichores (sediment from sampling site classified as 'moderately-sorted medium sand') than L. beebei (sediment from sampling site classified as 'moderately-sorted fine sand') and P. panamensis (a rocky-habitat species); no significant difference was detected between ST abundance in the latter two species. Current results provide unequivocal quantitative evidence that the abundance of ST setae can be an indicator to differentiate habitats down to the level of different sand-grain size, i.e., medium sand versus fine sand habitats of L. terpsichores and L. beebei, respectively. Both L. beebei and P. panamensis had significantly fewer ST setae than L. terpsichores, possibly because the former two species' habitats have sediments with sand grains that are less coarse than the latter's. On rocks, P. panamensis does not produce pseudofecal pellets as they directly swallow food materials pinched from the rock surfaces without sorting, rendering the role of ST setae of secondary importance. The three species did not differ significantly in P setae abundance, suggesting that the adaptive function of this type of setae to habitat characteristics remains debatable. The significance of ST setae as an ecomorphological adaptation for efficient food extraction from sandy sediments is, thus, evident in L. terpsichores. As for other two species-L. beebei and P. panamensis-that live in environments with finer sediment grain sizes, the adaptive role of ST setae is of diminished functional importance. Fiddler crab species with mixed setal types may have greater potential to exhibit feeding plasticity should their habitats be threatened.

Microscopic morphology of the antennule and antenna of the marine isopod Cirolana harfordi

ABSTRACT The use of scanning electron microscopy on the cuticle outgrowths called setae (that contain sensilla) in crustaceans is useful for, understanding how crustacean species sense their environment and for taxonomic studies. So far, most of the setal morphology studies have been performed on decapod crustaceans such as lobsters and shrimps and there has been a comparative lack of such research on marine isopods, from which terrestrial isopods such as woodlice or slaters have evolved. In the current study, electron microscopy was used to study the antennal setae of the marine isopod Cirolana harfordi using magnification powers of up to 40, 000. C. harfordi displayed a number of setal types including setae that had a sub-terminal pore that contained a cupule-shaped structure and plumose setae which are pennate in structure and have two rows of setules along the setal shaft in a fashion analogous to a palm leaf. These plumose setae may be useful to the animal in detecting water currents. Differences in the structure and placement of setae on the antennae of C. harfordi as compared to two other marine isopods, Bathynomus pelor and Natatolana borealis (that have had a comprehensive study of antennae setal morphology performed on them in previous studies) indicate that scanning electron microscopy of isopod setae may be useful in taxonomic studies of isopods.

Setal morphology of grooming appendages in blue crabs Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 and stone crabs Menippe mercenaria (Say, 1818) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae, Menippidae)

AbstractRespiration, sensory input, movement, and molting rely on crustacean body regions being free of fouling. While the grooming appendages of shrimps have been described, few studies have documented the functional morphology of grooming appendages in brachyuran crabs. Because shrimps and brachyurans have very different body morphology and grooming behaviors, their grooming setae may vary. The morphology of grooming appendages of blue (Callinectes sapidusRathbun, 1896) and stone (Menippe mercenaria (Say, 1818)) crabs were investigated to gain better insight into their efficiencies in decreasing fouling. Callinectes sapidus is an active swimmer, migrates through currents across estuaries, spends less time grooming, and is exposed to more environmental variants in contrast to M. mercenaria, which has a lower activity level and spends more time grooming. To compensate for this higher activity level and lower grooming time budget, C. sapidus was predicted to have more setal types on its grooming appendages as compared to M. mercenaria. Thirteen different body appendages/regions involved in grooming are described in both species by using scanning electron and light microscopy. We documented the morphology, presence or absence of setal patches, and types of setae in 104 different grooming appendages and groomed body regions. Of 25 types of setae, nine are unique to C. sapidus, rejecting the hypothesis that C. sapidus have more diverse grooming setae. Menippe mercenaria has denser setal patches and less fouling than C. sapidus. Nine new setal types are described. Fouling, setal diversities, and functions that correspond to grooming behaviors are discussed.

Discovery of Neonrosellavitiata (Darwin) and Newmanellaspinosus Chan & Cheang (Balanomorpha, Tetraclitidae) from the Andaman Sea, eastern Indian Ocean.

In this present study, distantly related acorn barnacle species in the subfamily Newmanellinae (Cirripedia, Thoracica, Tetraclitidae), including Neonrosellavitiata (Darwin, 1854) and Newmanellaspinosus Chan & Cheang, 2016, were discovered in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. Neo.vitiata can be readily distinguished from other newmanellids by shell plate and operculum morphology (external shell, tergum geometry, and pattern of parietal tube) and arthropodal characters (presence of basi-dorsal point at base of penis and triangular spines on cirri, setal type, and mouth parts). Both species were found to share overlapping territories on rocks at the rockweed zone, an area submerged under seawater most of the time throughout the year. This study highlights the first discovery of Neonrosella in the eastern Indian Ocean, whose ultrastructure compared to Newmanella is redescribed and illustrated here based on scanning electron microscopy.

Description of pereiopod setae of scyllarid lobsters, Scyllarides aequinoctialis, Scyllarides latus, and Scyllarides nodifer, with observations on the feeding during consumption of bivalves and gastropods

The morphological and behavioral aspects of slipper lobster (Scyllaridae) feeding have remained largely unexplored. Using scanning electron microscopy, the gross morphological structure of all segments of the pereiopods were described for three species of scyllarid lobsters. Five types of setae within three broad categories were found: simple (long and miniature), cuspidate (robust and conate), and teasel (a type of serrulate setae). Setae were arranged in a highly-organized, row-like pattern on the ventral and dorsal surfaces. Cuspidate setae were found on all surfaces of all segments. Simple setae were found only on the dactyl, whereas teazel setae were concentrated on the lateral-most edge of the alate carina on the merus in only one species [Scyllarides aequinoctialis (Lund, 1793)]; this species also differed from the other two [Scyllarides nodifer (Stimpson, 1866), Scyllarides latus (Latreille, 1803)] in setal patterning. All examined slipper lobsters differed in setal types and patterns from nephropid and palinurid lobsters, likely due to the more rigorous use of their pereiopods in accessing food. Feeding sequences of two of the slipper lobster species were videotaped and analyzed, and demonstrated a complex set of behaviors involving contact chemoreception by the antennules as part of an initial assessment of the food item, followed by extensive manipulation, probing, and eventual wedging behavior by the pereiopods as previously described for Scyllarides. Use of the antennules for food assessment and heavy reliance on the pereiopods, rather than the mouthparts, for food handling contrasts with nephropid and palinurid lobsters.

Chaetotaxy and setal diversity of grooming legs in species of porcelain crabs (Crustacea: Anomura: Porcellanidae)

The morphology of the fifth pereiopods was studied under scanning electron microscopy in ten species of porcelain crabs for chaetotaxy and setal diversity, namelly Megalobrachium pacificum, Megalobrachium roseum, Pachycheles grossimanus, Petrolisthes armatus, Petrolisthes tuberculatus, Pisidia brasiliensis, Pisidia longicornis, Polyonyx gibbesi, Porcellana platycheles and Porcellana sayana. Six setal types were identified: simple, pappose, sickle-shaped serrate, straight serrate, club-shaped and tooth-like cuspidate. Porcelain crabs can differ in the fifth pereiopod setal morphology, chaetotaxy and setal density, even among species within the same genus. The absence of sexual dimorphism of the grooming legs in porcelain crabs suggests that grooming eggs requires no particular grooming apparatus in females and that male and female are equal in grooming efficiency.

Morphology and evolution of scopula, pseudoscopula and claw tufts in Mygalomorphae (Araneae)

We studied the morphology of scopula, claw tufts and a scopula-like feature (pseudoscopula) of tarsi on representatives of all Mygalomorphae spider families. The pseudoscopula is constituted by groups of non-microtriched conical setae. The taxonomic distribution of all these features was studied and mapped on a recent phylogeny of Mygalomorphae and the association of them with the lifestyles of the spiders was analyzed. Adhesive setae, as well as some other setal types found on ventral tarsi are described and characterized. The adhesive face of setae varied in the orientation in different parts of the tarsi, and this variation is more conspicuous in the spiders which only have claw tufts or scopula. We found an association of adhesive scopulae and claw tufts with burrower/cursorial or thin wafer lid trapdoor mygalomorphs as suggested for free hunter spiders, but we found that the pseudoscopula is associated with males of some trap-door and some weavers mygalomorphs. The presence of pseudoscopula widely extended among Mygalomorphae seems to be ancestral for the infraorder. The setal morphology of pseudoscopula suggests chemosensorial function; sparse chemosensory setae were also found in almost all Mygalomorphae. The morphology, functions and evolution of scopula, claw tufts and pseudoscopula are discussed.

Functional morphology of amplexus (clasping) in spinicaudatan clam shrimps (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) and its evolution in bivalved branchiopods: A video-based analysis.

Male clam shrimps (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata, and Cyclestherida) have their first one or two trunk limb pairs modified as "claspers," which are used to hold the female during mating and mate guarding. Clasper morphology has traditionally been important for clam shrimp taxonomy and classification, but little is known about how the males actually use the claspers during amplexus (clasping). Homologies of the various clasper parts ("movable finger," "large palp," "palm," "gripping area," and "small palp") have long been discussed between the three clam shrimp taxa, and studies have shown that only some structures are homologous while others are convergent ("partial homology"). We studied the clasper functionality in four spinicaudatan species using video recordings and scanning electron microscopy, and compared our results with other clam shrimp groups. General mating behavior and carapace morphology was also studied. Generally, spinicaudatan and laevicaudatan claspers function similarly despite some parts being nonhomologous. We mapped clasper morphology and functionality aspects on a branchiopod phylogeny. We suggest that the claspers of the three groups were adapted from an original, simpler clasper, each for a "stronger" grip on the female's carapace margin: 1) Spinicaudata have two clasper pairs bearing an elongated apical club/gripping area with one setal type; 2); Cyclestherida have one clasper pair with clusters of molariform setae on the gripping area and at the movable finger apex; and 3) Laevicaudata have one clasper pair, but have incorporated an additional limb portion into the clasper palm and bear a diverse set of setae. J. Morphol. 278:523-546, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Setal morphology of grooming appendages in the spider crab, Libinia dubia.

In crustaceans, grooming behaviors decrease fouling by removing debris from the exoskeleton and body structures; these grooming behaviors improve respiration, sensory reception, movement, and reproduction. Setal morphologies of the following grooming appendages in the decapod crustacean spider crab Libinia dubia are examined including the first pereiopod (cheliped), first, second, and third maxillipeds (mouthparts), and first, second, and third epipods (internal extensions of the maxillipeds). The objective of this study was to describe setal morphologies of these grooming appendages and to elucidate possible functions and efficiencies of setal structures. Spider crabs are hypothesized to have elaborate setal morphologies, mainly for cleaning specialized decorating setae as well as for cleaning inside the gill chamber, which has a higher likelihood of becoming fouled compared to other decapods such as shrimps. Fourteen setal types are documented and included several varieties of serrate and pappose setae as well as simple setae, cuspidate setae, papposerrate setae, and canoe setae. Maxillipodal epipods in the gill chamber are free of fouling, suggesting the setation on the third maxilliped protopod has an efficient functional morphology in removing debris before water enters the gill chamber. Serrate setae may function for detangling and separating structures whereas pappose setae may function for fine detailed grooming. The cheliped is the only grooming appendage that can reach decorating setae and it contains only pappose setae; thus decorating setae is not likely groomed in a manner that would greatly decrease fouling. J. Morphol. 277:1045-1061, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Functional morphology of the feeding and associated appendages of the detritivore-collector atyid shrimps, Caridina cantonensis and Caridina trifasciata — a scanning electron microscopy study

The present study used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to examine the functional morphology of the feeding and associated appendages of the detritivore-collector atyid shrimps Caridina cantonensis Yu, 1938 and C. trifasciata Yam & Cai, 2003. The third maxillipedes of both species are equipped with serrate setae ending in a terminal pore, which setae may thus serve both as mechano- and chemo-receptors. Pereiopods 1 and 2 have dense, long, simple setae and single-rowed serrate setae for effective brushing fine-particulate organic matter and scraping periphyton from the substratum. Pereiopods 3 and 4 are heavily armed with large cuspidate setae and with simple type setae, which can be used for food collection or providing strong anchorage. The dactylus of pereiopod 5 is oval, flattened, and equipped with serrate setae on the ventral margin. In contrast to the suspension-feeding Atya innocuous (Herbst, 1792), Caridina spp. show a lower setal diversity, while all setal types on the pereiopods are mechano-receptors, being specialized for collecting food.

Setal morphology of the grooming appendages of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae) and review of decapod setal classification

Setae are vital in grooming activities and aiding in the removal of epibionts and sedimentary fouling from the body surfaces of decapod crustaceans. Thus, the setal structures and their arrangement on the grooming appendages and sensory structures of the commercially important shrimp, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is extensively grown in aquaculture and exhibits unique male morphological forms, termed morphotypes. The three male morphotypes are termed blue-clawed males, orange-clawed males, and small-clawed or undifferentiated males and all three differ in their dominance, behavior, body morphology, and reproductive success. Seven setal types, two of which have never been described in the literature, are identified on the grooming appendages (third maxillipeds, first, second, and fifth pereopods) and antennae: simple, serrate, serrulate, spiniform, pappose, crinoid, and spinulate. The latter two setae are newly identified. Certain setal types, such as serrate and serrulate setae were located and associated with specific grooming appendages such as the first pereopods. The types of setae on the grooming appendages varied among females and male morphotypes and the novel setal types (crinoid and spinulate) were found only on two of the male morphotypes. A literature review of terminology related to the structure of setae and setal types in decapod crustaceans is offered as the usage of various terms is ambiguous and conflicting in the literature. The intention of this review is to provide future authors with a comprehensive collection of terms and images that can be used to describe various aspects of setal morphology in decapods.

Preliminary survey of the setal and sensory structures on the pedipalps of camel spiders (Arachnida: Solifugae)

Abstract Solifuges, or camel spiders (order Solifugae), keep their pedipalps extended when moving through the environment, utilizing them much the way insects use their antennae. The male also uses his pedipalps during copulation, staying in contact with the female throughout the process. The pedipalps are covered with setae that are assumed to function as chemo-, mechano-, thermo-, hygro-, and olfactory receptors. We surveyed setal forms and other possible sensory structures on the pedipalps of solifuges to determine 1) if certain setae and structures are common to all families, 2) if some may be unique to certain families, and 3) the possible function of the various setae and other structures. We found that all families had bifurcated and tapered setae, and that all families had dorsal tarsal pores. Other setal forms were evident only in one or a few families. Three of the setal types had distal pores suggesting that they function as chemoreceptors. These data suggest that the pattern and types of setae...

Setal morphology in cirripedes: a useful tool in phylogenetic studies?

The morphology of the setae, on the mouthparts and the cirri of 33 barnacle species, was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The species examined were selected from a range of pedunculate and balanomorph families living in a variety of habitats from the littoral zone to deep-sea vents. It was found that the setae could be divided into five groups: simple, denticulate, setulate, plumo-denticulate and aesthetascs. The categories were subdivided resulting in 43 setal types being recognized. Balanomorph cirripedes were found to have a greater variety of setae than pedunculates. Setulate setae on the cirri, and specialized setae on the mandibular palps and the first maxillae tended to be associated with the development of the balanomorph form. Setal type was correlated with taxonomy, whether based on shell structure and soft body morphology or DNA analysis, but with some anomalies which deserve further investigation. The problems of reconciling the proposed cirripede setal categories with those described in the Decapoda are discussed.

Morphological diversity of setae on the grooming legs in Anomala (Decapoda: Reptantia) revealed by scanning electron microscopy

The fifth pereiopods (P5) in Anomala are specialized appendages used mainly for grooming. We studied the articulated cuticular outgrowths, setae, on the distal segments of the P5 in 40 species from 18 Anomala families using light and scanning electron microscopy. Five general classes of setae can be found on the P5: serrate, serrulate and simple setae which all appear bristle-like, and tooth-like and scale-like cuspidate setae. We classified the bristle-like setae according to criteria of shape and the arrangement of distinct outgrowths – denticles and setules – on the shaft of the seta. In this way we were able to distinguish eleven mainly serrate and serrulate types of seta. Some setal types imply homology due to their distinctness and could thus help to solve problematic phylogenetic questions. One setal type, for example, is only present in pagurid hermit crabs and king crabs, which corroborates the theory that these two morphologically very dissimilar groups are, in fact, closely related.

Resin gathering in neotropical resin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae): Functional and comparative morphology

Apiomerini (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) collect plant resins with their forelegs and use these sticky substances for prey capture or maternal care. These behaviors have not been described in detail and morphological structures involved in resin gathering, transfer, and storage remain virtually undocumented. We here describe these behaviors in Apiomerus flaviventris and document the involved structures. To place them in a comparative context, we describe and document leg and abdominal structures in 14 additional species of Apiomerini that represent all but one of the 12 recent genera in the tribe. Based on these morphological data in combination with the behavioral observations on A. flaviventris, we infer behavioral and functional hypotheses for the remaining genera within the tribe Apiomerini. Setal abdominal patches for resin storage are associated with maternal care so far only documented for species of Apiomerus. Based on the occurrence of these patches in several other genera, we propose that maternal care is widespread within the tribe. Ventral abdominal glands are widespread within female Apiomerini. We propose that their products may prevent hardening of stored resins thus providing long-term supply for egg coating. Judging from the diverse setal types and arrangements on the front legs, we predict six different behavioral patterns of resin gathering within the tribe.