Description of surface morphology in male and female genitals of Lixus cardui OLIVIER, 1807 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae) a scanning electron microscope study

Abstract

The internal genitalia of both sexes of Lixus cardui OLIVIER, 1807 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were examined by optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A detailed description is provided. In lateral view, the aedeagal tube is bented and its lateral surface is strongly sclerotised. In dorsal view, the ostium which fromendophallus (internal sac) goes out, seems clearly. The suroundings of the ostium has little sclerotised membrane. The spermatheca appears like a hook shape. It consists of receptaculum seminis, spermathecal duct and accesory gland.