Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and spermatozoa in Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha,Marchalinidae)

The spermiogenesis, the sperm structure and the sperm motility of Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) were examined. In the early spermiogenesis a centriolar apparatus was identified, but this structure is not involved in the production of the sperm flagellum. As in other Coccoidea, the flagellar axoneme originates by the activity of the thickened tip of the numerous microtubules surrounding the nuclear anterior region close to the periphery of the cell. This region pushes against a narrow cytoplasmic layer, giving rise to a papilla. In this region a novel structure, consisting of a regular network of thin filaments, arranged orthogonally to the bundle of microtubules, is visible. The sperm flagellum consists of a series of about 260 microtubules, regularly arranged in rings around the axial nucleus. This latter extends in the middle part of the sperm length. As usual in scale insects, sperm form a bundle, which in M. hellenica is composed of 64 sperm cells, surrounded by somatic cyst cells. The sperm bundle has an helicoidal array, with a cap of dense material at its apex, lending the anterior and the posterior region of the sperm bundle with a different structural organization. This difference is responsible of the different speed gradient observed in the helical wave propagating along the sperm bundle.     

Endosymbiotic microorganisms in Adelges (Sacchiphantes) viridis (Insecta,Hemiptera, Adelgoidea: Adelgidae): Molecular characterization,ultrastructure and transovarial transmission

The aim of this paper was to identify endosymbiotic microorganisms living in the body cavity of a Polish population of an aphid, Adelges (Sacchiphantes) viridis, as well as to describe their ultrastructure and mode of transmission between generations. Molecular data (amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes) indicated that endosymbionts of A. (S.) viridis are Betaproteobacteria of the species “Candidatus Vallotia virida”. Endosymbiotic bacteria are rod-shaped and localized in the cytoplasm of specific cells, termed bacteriocytes, of host insects. Endosymbionts sharing the same bacteriocytes differ in the density of their cytoplasm. There are two morphotypes of endosymbiotic bacteria: with electron-dense cytoplasm and electron-translucent cytoplasm. Since only bacteria containing electron-dense cytoplasm were observed in the binary fusion stage, differences in density of the cytoplasm are probably due to changes in the cytoskeleton of bacteria during division. Endosymbionts of A. (S.) viridis are transovarially (i.e. via oocytes) transmitted from the mother to the offspring.     

Ultrastructure and transovarial transmission of endosymbiotic microorganisms in Palaeococcus fuscipennis (Burmeister) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Coccinea: Monophlebidae)

Ovaries ofPalaeococcus fuscipennis (Burmeister) are accompanied by large organs termed bacteriomes which are composed of large cells termed bacteriocytes. Each bacteriocyte is surrounded with small epithelial cells. The bacteriocyte cytoplasm is tightly packed with pleomorphic bacteria, whereas in epithelial cells small coccoid microorganisms are present. The number of coccoid bacteria is significantly lower than pleomorphic bacteria. The ovarioles containing choriogenic oocytes are invaded both by pleomorphic as well by coccoid bacteria. Microorganisms traverse the follicular epithelium and enter the perivitelline space. During advanced choriogenesis, endosymbionts are accumulated in the deep depression of the oocyte. Bacteria do not enter the ooplasm until the end of oocyte growth.     

Molecular characterization,ultrastructure, and transovarial transmission of Tremblaya phenacola in six mealybugs of the Phenacoccinae subfamily (Insecta,Hemiptera, Coccomorpha)

Protoplasma - Mealybugs (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) are plant sap-sucking insects which require close association with nutritional microorganisms for their proper development and...     

Structure of the ovaries of the primitive aphids Phylloxera coccinea and Phylloxera glabra (Hemiptera,Aphidinea: Phylloxeridae)

Ovaries of phylloxerids consist of short telotrophic ovarioles. Ovaries of wingless morphs contain four ovarioles whereas those of winged morphs contain one or two ovarioles. The individual ovariole of the adult female is differentiated into a terminal filament, trophic chamber (tropharium), vitellarium and short ovariole stalk (pedicel). The number of germ cells constituting ovarioles is not stable and ranges between 49 and 64. The tropharia enclose individual trophocytes and arrested oocytes. The vitellaria contain usually two oocytes, which develop through three stages: previtellogenesis, vitellogenesis and choriogenesis. Endosymbiotic microorganisms do not occur in the germ cells. In the light of the obtained results, the phylogenetic relationships between aphid families are discussed.     

Genetic Structure of Marchalina hellenica (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) Populations from Turkey: Preliminary mtDNA Sequencing Data

The scale insect Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) contributes to the production of pine honey in Turkey and Greece via the honeydew excreted when it feeds on pine trees. Although it is an insect of prime economic importance, there is no information on its genetic structure. Preliminary data were obtained based on sequencing analysis of 12s rDNA and COI mtDNA gene segments from samples from four areas of Turkey. Sequences of the 12s rDNA gene segment from Greek samples available in GenBank were also included. No variability was detected concerning the COI mtDNA gene segment analysis, although 13 haplotypes were revealed based on the 12s rDNA gene segment. The most distant population was from Mudanya-Bursa Province (Turkey). Further research is necessary on the genetic structure and variability of M. hellenica populations from the two neighboring countries.     

Structure of ovaries in ensign scale insects,the most primitive representatives of Coccomorpha (Insecta,Hemiptera)

The ovaries of Orthezia urticae and Newsteadia floccosa are paired and composed of numerous short ovarioles. Each ovariole consists of an anterior trophic chamber and a posterior vitellarium that contains one developing oocyte. The trophic chamber contains large nurse cells (trophocytes) and arrested oocytes. The total number of germ cells per ovariole (i.e., cluster) is variable, but it is always higher than 32 and less than 64. This suggests that five successive mitotic cycles of a cystoblast plus additional divisions of individual cells are responsible for the generation of the cluster. Cells of the trophic chamber maintain contact with the oocyte via a relatively broad nutritive cord. The trophic chamber and oocyte are surrounded by somatic cells that constitute the inner epithelial sheath around the former and the follicular epithelium around the latter. Anagenesis of hemipteran ovarioles is discussed in relation to the findings presented. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Distribution and transmission of endosymbiotic microorganisms in the oocytes of the pig louse,Haematopinus suis (L.) (Insecta: Phthiraptera)

Summary All anoplurans live symbiotically with prokaryotic microorganisms hosted in specialized cells, termed mycetocytes. In nymphs and males mycetocytes are distributed between midgut epithelial cells. In females, besides the midgut, mycetocytes are found in the reproductive organs where they are located at the base of ovarioles in contact with lateral oviducts. The mycetocyte-associated symbionts are transmitted from one generation to the next transovarially. Here, the results of histological and ultrastructural studies on the distribution and transmission of symbiotic microorganisms within the ovaries of the anopluranHaematopinus suis are presented. Interestingly, during advanced oogenesis (i.e., choriogenesis) of this species all symbionts are localized extracellularly and form a tight mass located at the posterior pole of the oocyte just below the hydropyle. In insects studied so far, such localization of transovarially transmitted microorganisms has been reported only in the closely related speciesHaematopinus eurysternus.     

Symbiotic microorganisms in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puto superbus</Emphasis> (Leonardi, 1907) (Insecta,Hemiptera, Coccomorpha: Putoidae)

The scale insect Puto superbus (Putoidae) lives in mutualistic symbiotic association with bacteria. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed that symbionts of P. superbus belong to the gammaproteobacterial genus Sodalis. In the adult females, symbionts occur both in the bacteriocytes constituting compact bacteriomes and in individual bacteriocytes, which are dispersed among ovarioles. The bacteriocytes also house a few small, rod-shaped Wolbachia bacteria in addition to the numerous large, elongated Sodalis-allied bacteria. The symbiotic microorganisms are transovarially transmitted from generation to generation. In adult females which have choriogenic oocytes in the ovarioles, the bacteriocytes gather around the basal part of the tropharium. Next, the entire bacteriocytes pass through the follicular epithelium surrounding the neck region of the ovariole and enter the space between oocyte and follicular epithelium (perivitelline space). In the perivitelline space, the bacteriocytes assemble extracellularly in the deep depression of the oolemma at the anterior pole of the oocyte, forming a “symbiont ball”.     

Characteristics of the sperm structure in heteroptera (Hemiptera,Insecta)

Spermatozoa from eight heteropterans, each representing a different family, have been examined by electron microscopy in order to determine whether there exist characters typical for this insect group. Two such characters were found, namely bridges from the mitochondrial derivatives to the axonemal microtubules nos. 1 and 5, and two or three, rather than one, crystalline bodies within the mitochondrial derivatives. It is suggested that these characters are synapomorphic traits. The heteropteran spermatozoa lack accessory bodies typical of spermatozoa from many related groups of insects. The acrosome of the aquatic or semi-aquatic heteropterans (the infraorders Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha) has a peculiar inner structure consisting of tightly packed tubules. On the common theme of the heteropteran sperm structure, there were many variations, and the spermatozoa of each species examined can be recognized.     

Ultrastructure, distribution, and transovarial transmission of symbiotic microorganisms in Nysius ericae and Nithecus jacobaeae (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae: Orsillinae)

The organization of the symbiotic system (i.e., distribution and ultrastructure of symbionts) and the mode of inheritance of symbionts in two species, Nysius ericae and Nithecus jacobaeae belonging to Heteroptera: Lygaeidae, are described. Like most hemipterans, Nysius ericae and Nithecus jacobaeae harbor obligate prokaryotic symbionts. The symbiotic bacteria are harbored in large, specialized cells termed bacteriocytes which are localized in the close vicinity of the ovaries as well as inside the ovaries. The ovaries are composed of seven ovarioles of the telotrophic type. Bacteriocytes occur in each ovariole in the basal part of tropharium termed the infection zone. The bacteriocytes form a ring surrounding the early previtellogenic oocytes. The cytoplasm of the bacteriocytes is tightly packed with large elongated bacteria. In the bacteriocytes of Nysius ericae, small, rod-shaped bacteria also occur. Both types of bacteria are transovarially transmitted from one generation to the next.     

The sperm structure of Embioptera (Insecta) and phylogenetic considerations

The sperm structure of two species of Embioptera, Embia savignyi Westwood 1837 and Aposthonia japonica (Okajima 1926), was studied. Spermatozoa of both species exhibit a monolayered acrosome and a layer of material surrounding the sperm cells for most of their length. The presence of a 9+9+2 axoneme provided with accessory microtubules with 16 protofilaments, two accessory bodies and two crystallized mitochondrial derivatives are characters shared with other polyneopteran taxa. The supposed close relationship between Embioptera and Phasmatodea is not supported by characters of the sperm ultrastructure.     

Ultrastructure, distribution, and transmission of endosymbionts in the whiteflyAleurochiton aceris Modeer (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aleyrodinea)

Summary The body of the whiteflyAleurochiton aceris contains specialized cells, termed mycetocytes, that enclose endosymbiotic microorganisms. The endosymbionts are transmitted from one generation to the next transovarially. In contrast to other insects, in whiteflies whole intact mycetocytes migrate into the ovaries, traverse the follicular epithelium, and reach the oocyte surface (i.e., perivitellin space). The migration of mycetocytes begins in the last instar, called puparium, from which imagines emerge. During this stage the cytoplasm of mycetocytes is tightly packed with pleomorphic bacteria and less numerous coccoid microorganisms. In adult females the mycetocytes gather extracellularly in the depression of the vitellarial oocyte. Till the end of oogenesis neither pleomorphic nor coccoid microorganisms are released from mycetocytes into the oocyte.     

A survey of scale insects in soil samples from Europe (Hemiptera,Coccomorpha)

In the last decades, several expeditions were organized in Europe by the researchers of the Hungarian Natural History Museum to collect snails, aquatic insects and soil animals (mites, springtails, nematodes, and earthworms). In this study, scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) specimens extracted from Hungarian Natural History Museum soil samples (2970 samples in total), all of which were collected using soil and litter sampling devices, and extracted by Berlese funnel, were examined. From these samples, 43 scale insect species (Acanthococcidae 4, Coccidae 2, Micrococcidae 1, Ortheziidae 7, Pseudococcidae 21, Putoidae 1 and Rhizoecidae 7) were found in 16 European countries. In addition, a new species belonging to the family Pseudococcidae, Brevennia larvalis Kaydan, sp. n. and a new species of Ortheziidae, Ortheziola editae Szita & Konczné Benedicty, sp. n. are described and illustrated based on the adult female stage. Revised keys to the adult females of Brevennia and Ortheziola are presented.     

蜡蝉总科(昆虫纲:半翅目)系统分类研究进展

蜡蝉总科隶属于半翅目头喙亚目,大致可分为18～21个科。中国记载16科。蜡蝉总科的科级系统发育关系一直存在着广泛争议,至今尚无一个为大多数学者所接受的分类系统。因此,研究蜡蝉总科的系统发育具有重要的理论价值。本文从种及种下阶元的分类鉴定、种上阶元的系统发育、生物地理学等方面对蜡蝉总科的分类研究进行综述。     

Coexistence of novel gammaproteobacterial and Arsenophonus symbionts in the scale insect Greenisca brachypodii (Hemiptera,Coccomorpha: Eriococcidae)

Scale insects are commonly associated with obligate, intracellular microorganisms which play important roles in complementing their hosts with essential nutrients. Here we characterized the symbiotic system of Greenisca brachypodii, a member of the family Eriococcidae. Histological and ultrastructural analyses have indicated that G. brachypodii is stably associated with coccoid and rod‐shaped bacteria. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed that the coccoid bacteria represent a sister group to the secondary symbiont of the mealybug Melanococcus albizziae, whereas the rod‐shaped symbionts are close relatives of Arsenophonus symbionts in insects – to our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of Arsenophonus bacterium in scale insects. As a comparison of 16S and 23S rRNA genes sequences of the G. brachypodii coccoid symbiont with other gammaprotebacterial sequences showed only low similarity (～90%), we propose the name ‘Candidatus Kotejella greeniscae’ for its tentative classification. Both symbionts are transovarially transmitted from one generation to the next. The infection takes place in the neck region of the ovariole. The bacteria migrate between follicular cells, as well as through the cytoplasm of those cells to the perivitelline space, where they form a characteristic ‘symbiont ball’. Our findings provide evidence for a polyphyletic origin of symbionts of Eriococcidae.     

Multiple symbiosis in the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): details of transovarial transmission of Cardinium sp. and yeast-like endosymbionts

Scaphoideus titanus is the insect vector of flavescence dorée (FD), a yellow disease of grapevines. Observations on adult females and nymphs of S. titanus showed that this insect is associated with a complex microbial community. Ultrastructural analysis showed that the fat body, salivary glands and ovary of the insect harbour microorganisms showing the brush-like structure typically observed in the genus Cardinium. In particular, it has been shown that these symbiotic bacteria are present both in the follicular cells and in the eggs. In addition, cells resembling bacteriocytes, harbouring numerous Cardinium symbionts in the cytoplasm, were observed in the apical portion of the ovary in adult females. These cells are likely responsible for bacterial transmission to the ovary. Optical microscopy showed that the fat body harbours an enormous population of yeast-like symbionts (YLSs). Ultrastructural observations showed that these symbionts are enclosed within specialized cells of the fat body and are also present in the ovary, where they are found in both the follicular cells and the eggs. There is thus evidence that both Cardinium and the YLSs are transovarially transmitted to the offspring. To our knowledge, S. titanus is the sole insect known to transmit two different kinds of symbionts to the eggs, a prokaryote and an eukaryote. Gene sequence analysis and in situ hybridization led to the identification of YLSs as members of the class Sordariomycetes (=Pyrenomycetes). Finally, ultrastructural observation of the midgut content revealed the presence, in both adult females and nymphs, of a complex microbial community, which include a phytoplasma-like microorganism, likely the agent of FD.     

Sperm ultrastructure and spermiogenesis of Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera, Insecta)

The spermiogenesis and the sperm ultrastructure of several species of Coniopterygidae have been examined. The spermatozoa consist of a three-layered acrosome, an elongated elliptical nucleus, a long flagellum provided with a 9+9+3 axoneme and two mitochondrial derivatives. No accessory bodies were observed. The axoneme exhibits accessory microtubules provided with 13, rather than 16, protofilaments in their tubular wall; the intertubular material is reduced and distributed differently from that observed in other Neuropterida. Sperm axoneme organization supports the isolated position of the family previously proposed on the basis of morphological data.     

Revision of New Zealand Orthotylinae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Miridae)

Abstract

Six genera and 11 species of Orthotylinae are now known from New Zealand. Zanchius Distant is newly recorded. One new genus, Tridiplous, and seven new species of endemic New Zealand Orthotylini are described and illustrated. Four new species are described in Tridiplous: T. burrus, T. parvapiatus, T. penmani, and T. virens, and three new species are described in Zanchius: Z. ater, Z. rubicrux, and Z. totus. Keys are provided to identify New Zealand taxa of the tribes of Orthotylinae, genera and species of Halticini, genera of Orthotylini, and species of Tridiplous and Zanchius. The bugs are illustrated with colour habitus photos, and drawings including male and female genitalia. Economic importance is discussed.     

Sperm structure and spermiogenesis in Coletinia sp. (Nicoletiidae, Zygentoma, Insecta) with a comparative analysis of sperm structure in Zygentoma

The spermatozoon of Coletinia sp. has a bilayered acrosome, a short nucleus (4 microm) and a relatively short sperm tail with two mitochondrial derivatives. The chromatin is uniformly dense except for several electron-lucid channels or strands which permeate the nucleus and which originate in the spermatid as invaginations of the nuclear envelope. The invaginations occur mostly or exclusively along two meridians of the spermatid that are also characterized by the presence of a longitudinal rod of medium electron density. The two rods (designated as 'mid-spermatid rods') evidently are instrumental in the formation of the electron-lucid channels. The significance of this elaborate system of intranuclear channels is not understood. The sperm tail has a 9 + 9 + 2 axoneme with each of the nine microtubular doublets accompanied by an accessory microtubule; scant intertubular material can also be distinguished. Hence, the tail axoneme resembles that of many pterygote insects. Each of the two mitochondrial derivatives contains a crystalline inclusion that has periodically spaced layers going in different directions on either side of the midline. Two synapomorphic traits appear to be shared by Ateluridae and Nicoletiidae, namely the invaginations of the nuclear membrane along two meridians of the nucleus and the shape of the crystalline inclusions of the mitochondrial derivatives. Four species from the family Lepismatidae were also examined as to their sperm ultrastructure. Three of them, Allacrotelsa kraepelini, Ctenolepisma longicaudata and Ctenolepisma sp., were found to be very similar to the two previously examined lepismatids, Thermobia domestica and Lepisma saccharina. On the other hand, spermatozoa of Tricholepisma aurea were aggregated in small groups rather than pairwise joined as seen in the other lepismatids. Sperm characters are also used to reconstruct a phylogenetic hypothesis which suggests a close relationship between Ateluridae and Nicoletiidae.