THE SPERMATHECA AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES OF LETHAEINI (HEMIPTERA: LYGAEIDAE: RHYPAROCHROMINAE)

Abstract

The spermathecae of 25 species in 14 genera of Lethaeini are described and figured. A preliminary assessment is made of the value of the structure of the spermatheca as a taxonomic character, particularly at the generic level and as indicating relationships between genera. A convoluted mass of tubules, apparently a coiled gland, occurs near the entry of the spermathecal duct to the common oviduct in the two species of Lethaeus Dallas and the one species of Austroxestus Woodward studied. A dorsal sac opening into the genital chamber of the female is recorded in the species studied of Lethaeus, Neolethaeus Distant, Aristaenetus Distant, Myocara Bergroth, Exomyocara Slater and Woodward, Paramyocara Woodward and Malipatil, and an undescribed genus.