Rostral tip appendages in carnivorous stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Rani P. Usha1, Wakumara Sadao1,2, Asaoka Kiyoshi1,2 1Biology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Taranaka, Hyderabad-500 007, A. P. (India). 2Department of Insect Physiology and Behaviour, National Institute of Senculture and Entomological Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan. Abstract The morphology of labial tip of the carnivorous stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) was studied. Stylet structure was examined with scanning electron microscope. The maxillae are broad and blunt. The mandibular tip consists of three recuwed hooks to hold the prey while sucking on it. These hooks numbering three, two on one side and one opposite to these, measure 20.2 μm, 38.1 μm and 42.9 μm, respectively. The tip of each hook is sharply pointed, the apical diameter being the same for all the three hooks, i.e., 1.2 μm. Several distinct sensilla are also present at the apex. It is suggested that these sensilla are involved in decision making about feeding activities and in recognising the food. Top |