Eggshell Structure of the Predator Harpactor angulosus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract

Abstract Structural analyses of eggs from Reduviidae may provide important data to establish relationships among the representatives of this family. This study described the eggshell morphology of Harpactor angulosus (Lepeletier and Serville 1825) (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae). Eggs of H. angulosus were analyzed using a stereoscopic microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Eggs of H. angulosus are oval-shaped and slightly flattened laterally, with an eggshell surface with several pores and a rounded posterior pole. The anterior pole has a poorly pronounced neck region, without formation of the collar and a small chorionic rim and with an incomplete anterior appendage without connection between the veil and opercular projections. Aeropyles have a tube-like aspect, arising in the middle region of the veil and extending until the sealing bar. Eggs of H. angulosus were similar to those of other Harpactorinae, but with differences in length, width, anterior appendage characteristics, and eggshell invaginations.