Fine structure of the eggshell of Ommatissus binotatus Fieber (Homoptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Tropiduchidae)

The external morphology and fine structure of the eggshell of Ommatissus binotatus Fieber (Homoptera: Tropiduchidae) was investigated by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The egg surface has 2 main regions: a specialized area and an unspecialized egg capsule. The specialized area is characterized by a large respiratory plate containing the operculum and a short respiratory horn. The latter consists of an external hollow tube and an internal cone-shaped projection hosting a micropylar canal. The eggshell has 4 layers: the vitelline envelope, a wax layer, the chorion and an outer mucous layer. The chorion has inner, intermediate and outer parts. The functions of the different parts of the eggshell are discussed. Characters useful to define the eggs and the oviposition habit in the family Tropiduchidae were provided. The size and morphology of the egg, plate, respiratory horn and operculum are suggested as useful characters for ootaxonomic analysis. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.