Revamp Studies on Morpho-Histology of the Male Reproductive System of Halys dentatus Fabricious (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

Aim: Revamp studies on the morphology and histology of plant bug Halys dentatus F. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Study Design: Halys dentatus Fab. is acting as pest of many plants, multivoltine in nature, therefore their reproductive cycle observed throughout the year. Hence, the number of reproductive cycles increased the population of H. dentatus to cause harm to plants, therefore there is need to study the male reproductive system of H. dentatus as a part of fundamental studies. Place and Duration of Study: Entomology Research Laboratory; P.G. Department of zoology, K.T.H.M. College, Nashik. (MS, India). Methodology: Adults of H. dentatus (Fab.) were collected, anesthetized with anesthetic ether & embedded in dissecting paraffin wax plate, dissected in insect saline solution (Lum, [13]) using stereoscopic research binocular microscope. The male reproductive system exposed and isolated, fixed in Debocqui’s Bouin’s fixative for 18 hrs., dehydrated (acetone grades), Cleared (xylene; acetone), blocks were prepared, sections were cut on Leica microtome, stained & micro photographed. Results and Observation: • Morphology: The male reproductive system of H. dentatus (Fab.) constitute a pair of testis, pair of vas deferens, seminal vesicles, accessory glands (ectodermal & endodermal) & ejaculatory duct (bulbus & ductus). • Histology: Histology of testis of H. dentatus showed the six numbers of testicular follicles with different development zones; the growth zone, the maturation zone and the zone of differentiation. The inner layer of vas deferens and seminal vesicle was composed of cuboidal epithelial cells. The accessory glands are both ectodermal and endodermal in origin. The ectodermal accessory glands are triplate, milky white in colour while mesodermal accessory glands are convoluted bunch of fine tubular structure. Conclusion: The male reproductive system was studied with reference to revamp morpho-histology; during the year 2009-2011. The anatomy resemble with other pentatomid bug with little difference in vas deference, investing sac and major difference is the testicular follicles are six in number not seven.