The structure of spermathecae in the subgenus Cassida (Onychocassis) Spaeth in Spaeth & Reitter, 1926 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) and its taxonomic significance

Abstract :

Spermathecae of three species belonging to the subgenus Cassida (Onychocassis) Spaeth in Spaeth & Reitter, 1926 have been studied and figured. Spermathecal structures of these species were evaluated under both a stereo microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This type of examination is the first for Cassida bella Falderman especially. Vasculum, ampulla, ductus glandula auxiliaris and ductus spermatheca are generally constant in shape within species, but distinct and useful in comparison with other species. According to the structures of spermathecae, it was revealed that the subgenus Cassida (Onychocassis) is a monophyletic group, not polymorphic and polyphyletic. In addition, at the end of the study, the habitus of adults of the species examined are given, and a diagnostic key based on external and spermathecal morphological characters of adults is also provided.


Keyword :

Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Cassida, Onychocassis, morphology, spermatheca, SEM


Author(s) : Özdikmen, H., Bal, N., Amutkan Mutlu, D., Suludere, Z.
Downloads : 58
Published Issue : 2021 Vol. 16 Number 2


2021 Vol. 16 Number 2