Comparative morphology of male genitalia in antlions (Insecta, Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae), with emphasis on owlflies (Ascalaphinae) and a possible structural evolutionary scenario
Por:
Marquez-Lopez, Y, Martins, CC, Guevara-Chumacero, LM, Ramirez-Ponce, A, Contreras-Ramos, A
Publicada:
1 may 2024
Resumen:
Male genitalia morphology in Myrmeleontidae has traditionally been insufficiently studied, although it has received increased attention for its diagnostic value in recent times. A neutral terminology has generally been applied in standard taxonomic practice, yet knowledge of an equivalent and stable terminology across taxa based on comparative morphology has been missing. Herein a detailed comparative morphology study with examples from most tribes within Myrmeleontidae, including owlflies (Ascalaphinae), attempts to relate external and internal genital structures based on a proposed groundplan for Neuroptera and Myrmeleontidae. We contend that a groundplan based on 10 abdominal segments, plus vestigial structures from an 11th segment, coherently depicts structural components across myrmeleontid taxa. A gonarcus, an element of Neuropterida amply referred in Neuroptera, is supported to represent the pair of abdominal appendages of segment X medially fused, with gonocoxite and gonostylus components. In most myrmeleontid taxa, basal (gonocoxites) and distal (gonostyli) components separate, with gonostyli positioned posteriorly with respect to gonocoxites, still united with translucent, lightly sclerotized tissue, forming a more or less conical structure, a proposed synapomorphy for the family. Ninth gonostyli are generally reduced (pulvini) and have migrated close to the base of gonarcus (10th gonocoxites). A pelta, also a potential synapomorphy for Myrmeleontidae, derives from paired setose surfaces of the 10th gonostyli, medially positioned (still evident in Bubopsis). Three structural types of gonarcus are diagnosed for illustrative purposes, as they may represent convergent constructs.
Male genitalia groundplan in Neuropterida is based on 10 abdominal segments, plus vestigial structures from an 11th segment. Genitalia are composed of medially fused appendages of the 10th segment (gonarcus), with gonocoxite and gonostylus components (primary gonopods), plus gonostyli of the 9th segment (seconday gonopods). In Myrmeleontidae, basal (gonocoxite) and distal (gonostylus) components separate, with gonostyli positioned posteriorly to gonocoxite; reduced ninth gonostylus migrate to base of gonarcus. image
Filiaciones:
Univ Autonoma Metropolitana, Doctorado Ciencias Biol & Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
Univ Estadual Maranhao, Ctr Estudos Super Caxias, Dept Quim & Biol, Caxias, Maranhao, Brazil
Univ Autonoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Dept Biol, Mexico City, Mexico
Inst Ecol AC, Red Biodivers & Sistemat, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Dept Zool, Colecc Nacl Insectos, Mexico City, Mexico
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