Perianal structures in myrmecophilous subterranean aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) - Comparative morphology of trophobiotic organ with its first description in Lachninae

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light stereoscopic microscopy (LSM) were used for the first time to elucidate the external morphology of the so called "trophobiotic organ" on the end of abdomen of apterous viviparous females of six aphid species (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae), representatives of the myrmecophilous, subterranean aphids from the subfamilies Anoeciinae (Anoecia furcata), Eriosomatinae (Forda formicaria, Geoica utricularia, Tetraneura ulmi), and Lachninae (Protrama flavescens, Trama troglodytes). We examined and compared the external morphology in the parthenogenetic generation living on roots of deciduous plants. FE-SEM images based on HMDS preparation techniques revealed great similarity of perianal structures even between not closely related groups. Rectangular, vertically positioned anal plate, extremely shortened cauda and setae around the anus seem to be common features of these aphids. However, some differences in the number and length of setae, their arrangement and inclination of anal plate may be observed. The discussion focuses on the adaptive importance of such modifications, with respect to underground life mode and myrmecophily, but with reservations concerning living in galls by representatives of Eriosomatinae, which is hypothesized to be a factor driving the development of such modifications of perianal structures in this group of aphids.

Keywords: Ants; Chaetotaxy; Gall; HMDS; Morphology; Mutualism; SEM.