科研之友
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摘要
The insect species Psyllipsocus stupendus spec. nov., living on rock outcrops, is described and illustrated from central Mexico (Morelos state). Although the general morphology is typical for a Psyllipsocus species, both male and female are characterized by very peculiar genitalia. In the male, the phallosome has a pair of long pointed claspers and, surprisingly, the basal struts are not anteriorly but posteriorly directed. In the female, the first and second ovipositor valvulae, usually much reduced in this genus, are well developed and strongly sclerotized, forming a tube-like structure together with the sclerotized wall of the proximal part of the vagina. The dorsal wall of the female genital chamber is transversally double-folded, resulting in a ventral main compartment and an eversible dorsal compartment. The opening of the spermathecal duct (spermapore) opens proximally into the dorsal compartment. A similar structure of the female genital chamber has never been observed in Psocoptera before. Some functional hypotheses are discussed and it is postulated that a special form of selective pressure, probably due to sexual selection, might have favoured the evolution of these unique genital structures.
- 出版日期2016-3
