Ultrastructure and sense organs of ovipositors in the phytophagous gall-maker pest Ophelimus maskelli (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and its parasitoid, Closterocerus chamaeleon (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Abstract

The ultrastructure and sense organs of ovipositors in the phytophagous gall-maker pest Ophelimus maskelli and its parasitoid, Closterocerus chamaeleon were observed with scanning electron microscopy. The ovipositors of both species were comprised of 3-paired valvulae (first, second and third valvulae) and ended in a pointed tip. There were three types of sensilla (i.e., sensilla chaetica I and II; sensilla campaniformia) and three types of microtrichia (i.e., microtrichia I, II and III) on the ovipositors of O. maskelli, and six types of sensilla (i.e., sensilla chaetica I and III; sensilla styloconica I, II and III; sensilla campaniformia) and three types of microtrichia (i.e., microtrichia IV, V and VI) on the ovipositors of C. chamaeleon. The morphology, types, distribution, length, and width of these sensilla and microtrichia were described, and their possible functions were discussed in relation to the stinging, oviposition, and host selection process.