Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede Feeding
Millipede assassin bugs are a diverse group of specialized millipede predators. However, the feeding behavior of Ectrichodiinae remains poorly known, especially how the mouthpart structures relate to various functions in feeding. In this study, fine morphology of the mouthparts and feeding performan...
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doaj-ab9511627dfa42aab85a6d4d6be0d5ae2020-11-25T03:45:17ZengMDPI AGInsects2075-44502020-06-011138638610.3390/insects11060386Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede FeedingYan Wang0Junru Zhang1Wanshan Wang2Jolanta Brożek3Wu Dai4Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, ChinaKey Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, ChinaKey Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, ChinaFaculty of Natural Science, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, PolandKey Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Integrated Management of the Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, ChinaMillipede assassin bugs are a diverse group of specialized millipede predators. However, the feeding behavior of Ectrichodiinae remains poorly known, especially how the mouthpart structures relate to various functions in feeding. In this study, fine morphology of the mouthparts and feeding performance of <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål, 1867) was observed and described in detail for the first time. The triangular labrum is divided by a conspicuous transverse membrane into a strongly sclerotized basilabrum and a less sclerotized distilabrum. Fifteen types of sensilla are distributed on the mouthparts. Each mandibular stylet has an expanded spatulate apex and about 150 approximately transverse ridges on the external middle side; these help in penetrating the ventral trunk area and the intersegmental membranes of millipede prey. The right maxilla is tapered. On the internal surface are a row dorsal short bristles near the apex and a row of ventral bristles preapically. A longitudinal row of long lamellate structures extend proximate for a considerable distance, lie entirely within the food canal, and bear several short spines and short bristles. There is no obvious difference between males and females in the distribution, number, and types of sensilla on mouthparts. The adult feeding process involves several steps, including searching and capturing prey, paralyzing prey, a resting phase, and a feeding phase. The evolution of the mouthpart morphology and the putative functional significance of their sensilla are discussed, providing insight into the structure and function of the mouthparts adapted for millipede feeding.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/6/386Reduviidaemouthpartssensillumfeedingpredation |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Yan Wang Junru Zhang Wanshan Wang Jolanta Brożek Wu Dai |
spellingShingle |
Yan Wang Junru Zhang Wanshan Wang Jolanta Brożek Wu Dai Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede Feeding Insects Reduviidae mouthparts sensillum feeding predation |
author_facet |
Yan Wang Junru Zhang Wanshan Wang Jolanta Brożek Wu Dai |
author_sort |
Yan Wang |
title |
Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede Feeding |
title_short |
Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede Feeding |
title_full |
Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede Feeding |
title_fullStr |
Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede Feeding |
title_full_unstemmed |
Unique Fine Morphology of Mouthparts in <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Adapted to Millipede Feeding |
title_sort |
unique fine morphology of mouthparts in <i>haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (stål) (hemiptera: reduviidae) adapted to millipede feeding |
publisher |
MDPI AG |
series |
Insects |
issn |
2075-4450 |
publishDate |
2020-06-01 |
description |
Millipede assassin bugs are a diverse group of specialized millipede predators. However, the feeding behavior of Ectrichodiinae remains poorly known, especially how the mouthpart structures relate to various functions in feeding. In this study, fine morphology of the mouthparts and feeding performance of <i>Haematoloecha nigrorufa</i> (Stål, 1867) was observed and described in detail for the first time. The triangular labrum is divided by a conspicuous transverse membrane into a strongly sclerotized basilabrum and a less sclerotized distilabrum. Fifteen types of sensilla are distributed on the mouthparts. Each mandibular stylet has an expanded spatulate apex and about 150 approximately transverse ridges on the external middle side; these help in penetrating the ventral trunk area and the intersegmental membranes of millipede prey. The right maxilla is tapered. On the internal surface are a row dorsal short bristles near the apex and a row of ventral bristles preapically. A longitudinal row of long lamellate structures extend proximate for a considerable distance, lie entirely within the food canal, and bear several short spines and short bristles. There is no obvious difference between males and females in the distribution, number, and types of sensilla on mouthparts. The adult feeding process involves several steps, including searching and capturing prey, paralyzing prey, a resting phase, and a feeding phase. The evolution of the mouthpart morphology and the putative functional significance of their sensilla are discussed, providing insight into the structure and function of the mouthparts adapted for millipede feeding. |
topic |
Reduviidae mouthparts sensillum feeding predation |
url |
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/6/386 |
work_keys_str_mv |
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