Morphological description of the alimentary tract ofGeoicautricularia(Passerini, 1856) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Eriosomatinae).
Existing literature data report the lack of stomach and crenated intestine in the aphid speciesGeoicasetulosa(Passerini, 1860), a representative of subfamily Eriosomatinae. This odd anatomical feature seemed remarkable, due to the presence of fully developed intestine in closely related genera and mutualistic relationship with ants of this genus. The study aimed at repeated anatomical research ofGeoicautricularia(Passerini 1856), in order to confirm what seemed to be a generic feature. Standard histological methods were applied, with addition of oblique light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results indicated the existence of a fully developed intestine, with broad sac-shaped stomach and loops of the crenated intestine. The general anatomy of the alimentary tract ofG.utriculariaresembles that of other representatives of the tribeFordini. Also well-developed rectal gland is present, most probably playing a role in modifying the carbohydrate composition of excreted honeydew.
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
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Mróz
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
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Kertowska
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
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Nowińska
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
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Baran
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
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Węgierek
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Bankowa 9, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.
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Depa
Aphid; Digestive system; Feeding; Histology; Mutualism