External morphology of the female genitalia of lixus nordmanni Hochhuth, 1847 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Lixinae): A scanning electron microscope study

Abstract

The female genitalia of Lixus nordmanni Hochhuth, 1847 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were examined by light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A detailed description about it is provided. The female genitalia comprise spermatheca, genital spicule, 8th abdominal sternite and ovipositor. The spermatheca consists of reservoir, spermathecal duct and accessory gland. It seems like a hook shape. Its surface is strongly sclerotised. The genital spicule is much shortened and the 8th abdominal sternite like V-shaped. The ovipositor (sternites) organ appears symmetrically swollen tube.