title: Scanning electron microscopy of eggs of Sabethes cyaneus.
abstract: Mosquitoes of the Neotropical genus Sabethes, some species of which are yellow fever vectors, most often develop through the immature stages in tree holes. Sabethes eggs have not been previously characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Eggs of Sabethes cyaneus (length: 349.6 +/- 2.7 microm; width: 172.6 +/- 1.14 microm; n = 10) are almost biconical when examined from the top. From a lateral perspective 2 surfaces can be seen. One surface is smooth and more convex, whereas the other is less convex and partially covered by a network from which many fungiform tubercles arise. The micropyle is situated on the smooth surface of the pointed anterior tip and is surrounded by an irregular row of tubercles, some of which are leaf shaped. No structures possibly involved in adhesion to surfaces are visible. When hatching, the egg splits dorsoventrally approximately two-thirds of the length from the anterior end. The tubercles appear to be water repellent, and the more convex/smoother surface is downturned, and this position on water was confirmed by direct observation. The eggs float free on the water surface.
authors.affiliation: Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil 4365, CEP 21040-360, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jacenir
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Santos-Mallet
authors.forename: Juliana Soares
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Sarmento
authors.forename: Jeronimo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alencar
authors.forename: Gerson Azulim
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Eliana Medeiros
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Woodbridge A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: Carlos Brisola
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Marcondes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D009033:Culicidae / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010063:Ovum / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water