ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE ACCESSORY-GLAND IN THE PARTHENOGENETIC THRIPS HELIOTHRIPS HAEMORRHOIDALIS (BOUCHE) (THYSANOPTERA, THRIPIDAE)

The fine structure of the reproductive accessory gland of the partheno genetic thrips Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) i s reported. It consists of an apical bulb and a fine gland duel. The f ormer consists of an epithelium with secretory and duct-forming cells surrounding a large gland lumen lined with a thin cuticle and filled w ith dense secretion. Spent secretory cells degenerate and are eliminat ed from the epithelium. The gland duct is characterized by an irregula r, branched lumen surrounded by a very fiat epithelium. A valve contro ls the opening of the duct lumen. The proximal gland duct runs through a cuticular papilla that opens between the dorsal ovipositor valves. The secretions map serve for ovipositor valve lubrication and possibly to protect laid eggs. Observations of serial sections through the vag ina exclude the presence of a spermatheca in this species. (C) 1998 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.