Morphology and Surface Structure of Mantispa sayi (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) Eggs

Abstract

Mantispa sayi Banks, like other members of the Mantispinae, oviposits small eggs on short stalks. The egg morphology indicates a conservative use of maternal resources. The chorion is a thin and flexible shell overlain by an Open meshlike pattern of ridges. Openings into the egg appear to be restricted to the single micropylar region. where 8-14 pore-like features can be seen on the scalloped edges of the micropylar prominence. Morphological differences in the surface structure of the eggs of the New World species M. sayi and M. interrupta Say, and the South African species M. capeneri (Handschin) are subtle.