A GYNANDROMORPH OF RACHISPODA SUBPILIGERA (MALLOCH) (DIPTERA: SPHAEROCERIDAE), WITH NOTES ON ASYMMETRY, CIRCUMVERSION, AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE MALE POSTABDOMEN

Abstract

AbstractA gynandromorph of Rachispoda subpiligera (Malloch) is described. The specimen exhibits both bilateral and anterior/posterior division of male and female genitalic components. Abdominal segment 5 is male, segments 6 and 7 are bilaterally divided into male (right) and female (left) halves, and segments 8–11 are female. Comparison of male and female components supports the view that the large, asymmetrical sclerite posterior to sternite 5 in male Sphaeroceridae is synsternite 6 + 7. Circumversion of the genitalia, normally seen in male segments 8–11, is absent, although male components of segments 6 and 7 exhibit asymmetry normally associated with circumversion. This suggests that asymmetry of sternites 6 and 7 is a developmental process independent of circumversion, not a direct consequence of circumversion.