| Author(s) | HEMPTINNE JL; LECLERCQSMEKENS M; NAISSE J
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| Title | STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE EXOCRINE GLANDS
OF THE GENITALIA OF FEMALES OF THE 2-SPOT LADYBIRD, ADALIA-BIPUNCTATA (LINNAEUS, 1758)
(COLEOPTERA, COCCINELLIDAE)
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| Source | BELGIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 121(1):27-37
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| Date | 1991 JUN
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| Type | Journal : Article
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| LCR: 1
NCR: 26 LCS: 0
GCS: 1
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| Comment |
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| Address | UNIV LIBRE BRUXELLES,DEPT BIOL
ANIM,B-1050 BRUSSELS,BELGIUM
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| Abstract | In females of Adalia bipunctata
(LINNAEUS, 1758), there are exocrine glands associated with the coxites that form part
of the genitalia. The coxites are extended anteriorly in the form of a gutter
with the concavity orientated towards the vagina.
The edges are continuous with a shiny membrane that forms a coxal reservoir.
The concave side of this gutter-like extension is lined by a layer of glandular cells.
Their ultrastructure is typical of the type 1 insect epidermal cells
of NOIROT and QUENNEDEY (1974). The coxal cells undergo a three stage activity cycle
that is synchronised with the ovarial activity and correlated with ladybrid age.
The huge development of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the third stage
of the activity cycle indicates that terpenoid substances are produced.
On the basis of behavioural observations we suggest that these exocrine glands have a role
in the sexual behaviour of A. bipunctata although we cannot exclude a role
in the chemical protection of eggs.
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