Purpose: To reveal the effects of Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) on the elytra and hindwing morphology of Tribolium castaneum. Material and methods: Zero-day-old-pupae were irradiated with UV-C at a distance of 35 cm for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 min. Changes in wing morphologies were examined using light and scanning electron microscope. Results: UV-C radiation decreased the adult emergence rate and the insect body mass. Morphological changes of the elytra and hindwings in the adults were classified into nine grades. The treated insects had wrinkled and split elytra, and hindwings were not folded properly. Radiation altered the size of elytra, hindwings and wing shape. An analysis of the color intensity indicated that the irradiated beetles had darker elytra. The veins of hindwings became darker, while the membranous area had a lighter color than the control. UV-C radiation also affected the thickness of the elytra. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that UV-C caused deformity of elytra surface and decreased the number of hair sensilla. Conclusions: Results indicate that the elytra and hindwing morphology were altered by UV-C radiation. However, further analysis is required to evaluate the response of T. castaneum to UV-C radiation at the gene level.
Keywords: UV-C; elytra; hindwing; radiation; red flour beetle.