EXOCRINE GLANDS IN THE FORELEGS OF DUNG BEETLES IN THE GENUS ONITIS F. (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract Two novel groups of exocrine glands on the forelegs of Scarabaeine dung beetles of the genus Onitis are described. One, located on the protrochanters and confined to the male, is present in most species of Onitis. The other, located on the procoxae in conjunction with disseminating structures on both the procoxae and the profemora, is present in both sexes and probably occurs throughout the scarabaeine dung beetles. It is speculated that the glands are involved in close range species recognition and sexual attraction. Copyright © 1986, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved