The mating behaviour sequence was carried out in Osmia cornuta using Markov analysis, results highlighted two modes by which the sequence can be performed, termed short copulation and long copulation. Both modes presented pre-copulatory courtship, in which antennal motion by the male appeared to play a key role. Thus male action is stereotyped and repeated with a regular time pattern without contact with female antennae. Ultrastructural investigations of antennae of both sexes showed glandular structures present only in males. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed the presence of numerous pores on most of male antennomeres (A3-A12), distributed along a narrow longitudinal band devoid of sensillar structures. The number of pores decreases from basal to apical antennomeres. Cross sections taken at different levels of the third antennomere and observed by transmission electron microscope revealed numerous bicellular glandular units, each comprising one Noirot and Quennedey third type secretory cell and one duct cell.
Ethological and morphological analysis of mating behaviour in Osmia cornuta Latr. (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)
ISIDORO, Nunzio;ROMANI, Roberto;BIN, Ferdinando;
1998
Abstract
The mating behaviour sequence was carried out in Osmia cornuta using Markov analysis, results highlighted two modes by which the sequence can be performed, termed short copulation and long copulation. Both modes presented pre-copulatory courtship, in which antennal motion by the male appeared to play a key role. Thus male action is stereotyped and repeated with a regular time pattern without contact with female antennae. Ultrastructural investigations of antennae of both sexes showed glandular structures present only in males. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed the presence of numerous pores on most of male antennomeres (A3-A12), distributed along a narrow longitudinal band devoid of sensillar structures. The number of pores decreases from basal to apical antennomeres. Cross sections taken at different levels of the third antennomere and observed by transmission electron microscope revealed numerous bicellular glandular units, each comprising one Noirot and Quennedey third type secretory cell and one duct cell.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
