Morphology of eggs and spermatheca of Odontotarsus purpureolineatus (Heteroptera, Scutelleridae)

Abstract

The morphology of the spermatheca and eggs of Odontotarsus purpureolineatus were studied by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The spherical eggs were about 1.35 mm long and 1.09 mm wide. The egg batches generally consist of 13-14 eggs. The egg surface is covered by polygonal (hexagonal and pentagonal shapes prevail) ridges and tiny chorionic tubercles. There were 8-10 aero-micropylar processes between the polygons. The spermatheca of O. purpureolineatus is characterized by a spherical spermathecal bulb, a pumping region, a flange of pump and dilation of spermathecal duct. Spermathecal processes and a median spermathecal dilation with sclerotized rod are missing. The spermathecal bulb and the pumping region possess many pores. © 2007 Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences.