The elm seed bug Arocatus melanocephalus Fabr. (Heteroptera, Lygaeidae) has recently elicited attention for the repeated massive intrusions inside urban buildings occurred during summertime in Northern Italy. Although these bugs pose no threat to human health and do not cause any damage, for the nuisance and the unpleasant smell, they are considered aesthetic pests. Biology and behaviour of these insects have been poorly investigated and this study is part of a research undertaken to obtain basic knowledge on the gland system of A. melanocephalus in the view to find a sustainable control strategy based on the use of its semiochemicals. In particular, the present investigation was performed to characterize the anatomy of the adult female metathoracic scent gland system (MTGs), by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Results showed that the MTGs, whose external opening is between the second and third pair of legs, consists of three secretory units (anterior, medial and posterior glands) and an unpaired sack-like reservoir, located on both sides of the metathoracic segment. The detailed structure of the opening, of each secretory unit and of the reservoir is described. Further studies are being performed to understand the biological function of these glands.

Metathoracic scent glands in female adults of Arocatus melanocephalus / E., Pedroni; Maistrello, Lara; P., Boldrini; A., MICCIARELLI SBRENNA; G., Sbrenna. - In: BULLETIN OF INSECTOLOGY. - ISSN 1721-8861. - STAMPA. - 61:(2008), pp. 173-175.

Metathoracic scent glands in female adults of Arocatus melanocephalus

MAISTRELLO, Lara;
2008

Abstract

The elm seed bug Arocatus melanocephalus Fabr. (Heteroptera, Lygaeidae) has recently elicited attention for the repeated massive intrusions inside urban buildings occurred during summertime in Northern Italy. Although these bugs pose no threat to human health and do not cause any damage, for the nuisance and the unpleasant smell, they are considered aesthetic pests. Biology and behaviour of these insects have been poorly investigated and this study is part of a research undertaken to obtain basic knowledge on the gland system of A. melanocephalus in the view to find a sustainable control strategy based on the use of its semiochemicals. In particular, the present investigation was performed to characterize the anatomy of the adult female metathoracic scent gland system (MTGs), by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Results showed that the MTGs, whose external opening is between the second and third pair of legs, consists of three secretory units (anterior, medial and posterior glands) and an unpaired sack-like reservoir, located on both sides of the metathoracic segment. The detailed structure of the opening, of each secretory unit and of the reservoir is described. Further studies are being performed to understand the biological function of these glands.
2008
61
173
175
Metathoracic scent glands in female adults of Arocatus melanocephalus / E., Pedroni; Maistrello, Lara; P., Boldrini; A., MICCIARELLI SBRENNA; G., Sbrenna. - In: BULLETIN OF INSECTOLOGY. - ISSN 1721-8861. - STAMPA. - 61:(2008), pp. 173-175.
E., Pedroni; Maistrello, Lara; P., Boldrini; A., MICCIARELLI SBRENNA; G., Sbrenna
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.
Pubblicazioni consigliate

Licenza Creative Commons
I metadati presenti in IRIS UNIMORE sono rilasciati con licenza Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal, mentre i file delle pubblicazioni sono rilasciati con licenza Attribuzione 4.0 Internazionale (CC BY 4.0), salvo diversa indicazione.
In caso di violazione di copyright, contattare Supporto Iris

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11380/609352
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 2
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 2
social impact