Gross features of the alimentary canal and reproduction organs in Prodontria lewisii (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)

Abstract

We investigated the gross anatomical structure of the alimentary canal and internal reproductive system of an endemic and threatened insect Prodontria lewisii (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae; Cromwell chafer beetle). The alimentary canal of the adult conforms to the morphology found in other Melolonthinae and Dynastinae. The anatomy of male and female P. lewisii reproductive organs was similar to that of other scarabaeids. We also investigated the reproductive features of adult P. lewisii collected during monitoring of populations in 1994, 1996 and 1997. Reproductively mature females were found throughout the activity period for the beetles (September‐January), but they mated only after their ovaries had matured. Females had the potential to produce at least 13 eggs during the activity period. Reproductively mature males were present throughout the activity period.

Keywords:

• Cromwell chafer beetle
• alimentary canal
• reproductive anatomy
• reproduction
• seasonality
• Prodontria lewisii

Notes

Author for correspondence.