title: A New Technique for Preserving the Form of Artificially Inflated Endophalli of Bees.
abstract: We present a simple technique for keeping the form of artificially expanded endophalli in bees (Hymenoptera). Endophalli were inflated using the introduction of low melting-point agarose from a syringe inserted in the anterior opening of the metasoma. Under refrigeration, the endophalli kept their expanded shape for up to three days allowing the description of structure, morphometric analyses, and examination of the external sculpturing of the cuticle under scanning electron microscope. The technique provides new possibilities for the study of functional morphology, sexual selection, and reconstruction of bee phylogeny.
authors: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia de Biomas Tropicais, Univ Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brasil.
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Dutra
authors: Depto de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, ICEB, Univ Federal de Ouro Preto, (UFOP), Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG, CEP 35400-000, Brasil. reislaxoliveira@gmail.com.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees; D006927:Hymenoptera; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010802:Phylogeny; D013048:Specimen Handling
keywords: Genitalia; Hymenoptera; morphology; preparation; scanning electron microscopy