The maxillo-labial complex of Sparasion (Hymenoptera, Platygastroidea)

By

Popovici, Ovidiu
Miko, Istvan
Seltmann, Katja
Deans, Andrew R.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2014

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

37

Pages

77-111

Subjects

Confocal laser scanning microscopy , Galea , glossa , Hymenoptera Anatomy Ontology , labial palpus , lacinia , maxillary palpus , mouthparts , prementum

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.37.5206

 

Abstract

Hymenopterans have evolved a rich array of morphological diversity within the maxillo-labial complex. Although the character system has been extensively studied and its phylogenetic implications revealed in large hymenopterans, e.g. in Aculeata, it remains comparatively understudied in parasitoid wasps. Reductions of character systems due to the small body size in microhymenoptera make it difficult to establish homology and limits the interoperability of morphological data. We describe here the maxillo-labial complex of an ancestral platygastroid lineage, Sparasion, and provide an ontology-based model of the anatomical concepts related to the maxillo-labial complex (MLC) of Hymenoptera. The possible functions and putative evolutionary relevance of some anatomical structures of the MLC in Sparasion are discussed. Anatomical structures are visualized with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy.