Female and male genital surface microstructures in shining leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Criocerinae)

By

Matsumura, Yoko

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-9-19

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1252

Pages

151--165

Subjects

bursa copulatrix , criocerine beetles , endophallus , endophallus , Endophallus , internal sac , scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , sensilla , spermathecal duct

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1252.148379

 

Abstract

Female genital diversity and co-evolution of female and male genitalia have been increasingly unveiled, particularly through recent studies. These findings highlight the importance of genital coupling in genital studies. In this pilot study, I examined membranous elements of female and male genitalia that come into physical contact during copulation in five representative species of shining leaf beetles by employing stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The female genital surfaces are largely smooth, but a thickened sensilla-bearing patch is present. In contrast, the male surfaces are at least partially covered with microprotrusions. I present distribution maps of these microstructures for all study species. By comparing the results with those of previous studies, I discuss their possible functions and future research directions in this field.