Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2005) 115, 17-25

Roberto Romani, Gianandrea Salerno, Francesca Frati, Eric Conti, Nunzio Isidoro and Ferdinando Bin (2005)
Oviposition behaviour in Lygus rugulipennis: a morpho-functional study
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 115 (1), 17-25
Abstract: Before oviposition, a Lygus rugulipennis (Poppius) (Heteroptera: Miridae) female explores the substrate with her mouthparts, performing 'probing' behaviour which eventually leads to a choice of oviposition site. In this study, morphological and behavioural observations were carried out in order to define the mechanisms through which female bugs recognise suitable oviposition sites. The morphological study was conducted using electron-microscopy techniques, while the behavioural experiments aimed at the temporary (using ZnSO₄) or permanent (i.e., cauterization of the rostrum and ablation of both stylets and labium) inactivation of sensory structures located in the labium tip and in the stylets, which are probably involved in oviposition site selection. The tip of the labium of L. rugulipennis females is characterised by the presence of 11- 12 uniporous gustatory sensilla which are innervated by 3-6 sensory neurones. One aporous mechanoreceptor is located ventrally on both areas of the labium tip. Other aporous mechanosensilla are found more proximally on the labium. ZnSO₄ labium tip treatment did not affect oviposition site selection, while stylet amputations, as well as rostrum cauterisations, resulted in almost complete oviposition failure. Labium tip-ablated females oviposited similarly to control females. These results suggest that the sensory neurones associated with the stylets are involved in the location of the oviposition site. Uniporous gustatory sensilla on the labium tip are not involved in the final steps of the oviposition behaviour. However, they seem to play a role in assessing the suitability of the substrate as a food source.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Roberto Romani, Eric Conti, Gianandrea Salerno

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Lygus rugulipennis