New results on sexual differences in tarsal adhesive setae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

• Main Authors: Kai Gloyna, Thomas Thieme, Stanislav Gorb, Dagmar Voigt
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Karolinum Press 2014-12-01
• Series: European Journal of Environmental Sciences
• Subjects: intimate partner violence; psychological abuse; men; spouse; partnerské násilí; psychické zneužívání; muži; partnerky; Partnergewalt; psychologische Misshandlung; Mann; Ehemann
• Online Access: http://ejes.cz/index.php/ejes/article/view/178

Previous light microscopy studies revealed a hairless patch on the feet of male Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. However, in related species of chrysomelid beetles the males have special adhesive setae with discoid terminals, which adhere to the elytra of females during copulation. In the present study, we examined the pretarsi of D. virgifera virgifera at a high magnification using scanning electron microscopy. The distinct sexual tarsal dimorphism in this species is confirmed. However, our results do not support the presence of a hairless patch on the feet of males, but a field of densely-packed male-specific adhesive setae with discoid terminals.