Comparative Studies of Perianal Structures in Myrmecophilous Aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae)

ABSTRACT:

Simple Summary

Aphids involved in obligatory mutualistic relationship with ants are believed to have short cauda and elongated, vertical anal plate to allow keeping the honeydew droplet until removed by ants. Our study indicated no such correlation of morphology and ant-attendance between facultatively and obligatory myrmecophilous aphids. Review through microstructure of perianal cuticle indicated that the microrelief of cuticle may play a role in keeping excreted honeydew away from aphid body until removed by ant worker.

Abstract

There are three types of relationships between aphids and ants: non-myrmecophilous, obligatory and facultatively myrmecophilous. The degree of involvement in this mutualism is believed to be corelated with morphological adaptations of perianal

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PROVIDER: S-EPMC9781728 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature