EGGSHELL MORPHOLOGY IN 2 CRYPTIC SPECIES OF THE ANASTREPHA-FRATERCULUS COMPLEX (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE)

The external morphology of eggs of 2 cryptic species of the Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) complex, species 1 and species 2, was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Eggs of species 1 are, on the averag e, shorter than those of species 2 whereas they do not differ in their cross diameter. In species 1, the egg apex is asymmetric and papillat e, whereas in species 2, the end is blunt and symmetrical. The micropy le is located on the dorsal side of the papilla in species 1 and near the egg apex in species 2. The anterior end of both types of eggs is d ecorated by a lattice of ridges in a polygonal arrangement. The sculpt uring of the chorion covers a larger area of the anterior pole in spec ies 1 than in species 2 eggs. In the remainder of the egg, the chorion is smooth without any clear reticulation. In species 2 eggs, the poly gons near the micropyle are arranged in a rosette configuration which is absent in species 1. Aeropyles were found almost exclusively in the chorionic ridges on the ventral side in both types of eggs. Eggs of s pecies 1 have a larger number of aeropyles than those of species 2. Th e external morphology of the eggs presents reliable characteristics th at distinguish the 2 cryptic species of A. fraterculus.