Eur. J. Entomol. 91 (4): 391-405, 1994
Additional data on variation in the specialized cuticular patches of true bugs in the family Pentatomidae (Heteroptera)
- N/A
In previous papers, the presence of patches of specialized cuticle on the sternites of true bugs of the family Pentatomidae has been reported. The patches, it is thought, are an aid to thermoregulation by aiding heat loss at high temperatures.
In this paper, additional descriptions given of patch patterns in Pentatominae and for the first time in Phyllocephalinae extend the range of variation previously recorded in Pentatomidae.
More than thirty species of Pentatominae in four tribes (Pentatomini, Antestiini, Halyini, Carpocorini) were examined. Patches were extensively developed in African and Asian Halyini. They were absent, however, in all Australian halyines examined, suggesting the existence of different mechanisms of resistance to heat.
Patches were well developed in all 11 species of Phyllocephalinae examined. The most extensive area development of patch cuticle now in Pentatomidae was observed in two phyllocephalines from deserts, Phyllocephala negus and Schyzops aegyptiaca. In Phyllocephalinae, the anatomical distribution of patch cuticle extends to areas of sternite lateral to the spiracles as well as to the laterotergites. Patch areas surfaces in some phyllocephalines are fragmented by bristle-bearing discs.
Concerning the pentatomines examined, possible seasonal area variation and variation correlated with geographical isolation was detected in Nezara viridula, a tendency to ventral mid-line fusion of patches on sternites III observed in Carpocorini, and a possible east-west gradient detected in Asian Plautia fimbriata. A high degree of individual variability was recorded in a sample of Carpocoris pudicus from Turkey.
Epidermal glands, abundant in males, are generally but not invariably absent in areas occupied by patch cuticle. The absence of glands as an additional tissue element might be explained if thier presence retarded heat loss from the patches.
Keywords: Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Pentatominae, Phyllocephalinae, abdomen, morphology, specialized cuticular patches, variation
Accepted: September 7, 1994; Published: December 20, 1994 Show citation
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.