Journal of Medical Entomology (2011) 48, 496-503

Simone P.C. Freitas, Teresa C.M. Gonçalves, José E. Serrão, Jane Costa and Jacenir R. Santos-Mallet (2011)
Ultrastructural localization of basic proteins and carbohydrates in male accessory glands of two Triatoma species (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)
Journal of Medical Entomology 48 (3), 496-503
Abstract: The male accessory glands in Triatoma are tubular and produce substances with some functions related to production of the spermatophore. In the current study, the cytochemistry of male accessory glands was evaluated in starved Triatoma brasiliensis and adult Triatoma melanica. The storage of carbohydrates and proteins in T. melanica male accessory glands occurs earlier than in T. brasiliensis. In addition, the occurrence of eletron-lucent granules without carbohydrates and proteins suggests that other substances are released by these glands, which may be used for lubrication of the male genitalia. Male T. brasiliensis has more intense secretory activity in the fifth day of adult life, which may indicate a higher reproductive capacity. The analysis of lipid production in male accessory glands can contribute to the knowledge of spermatophore formation in these species.
(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): José Eduardo Serrao

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.
	Triatoma brasiliensis