THE ULTRASTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF SCALES IN BRACHYPERA CAPIOMONT, 1868 AND HYPERA GERMAR, 1817 (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE: HYPERINAE)

Abstract

The scales that are external morphological characters in Brachypera Capiomont, 1868 and Hypera Germar, 1817 (Curculionidae: Hyperinae) were examined using light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Dried museum materials were used in this study. After softening the materials, abdomens were removed to reach elytra. Similarities and differences among the species are discussed. Although the scales look alike under the light microscope, they showed a rather different pattern with SEM. The fine structure of scales was shown to be useful for comparing species.