ADHESIVE VESICLES IN SOME SPECIES OF NEOPHYLLAPHIS TAKAHASHI, 1920 (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

Abstract

All adult morphs and nymphal instars of Neophyllaphis brimblecombei Carver bear two large, eversible, adhesive vesicles on the posterior abdominal sternites. These vesicles are everted and stuck to the underlying surface when the aphid is disturbed. They also enable the aphid to right itself from the supine position. The vesicles are continuous with the haemocoel, and microscopic studies and chemical tests suggest that haemolymph is the fluid responsible for adhesion, the haemolymph being transported from the haemocoel to the surface through intracellular channels in the epidermis and through cuticular pores. Similar vesicles are present in some other species of Neophyllaphis. Copyright © 1971, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved