Comparative morphology of scales in Cionus Clairville, 1798 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) species

Abstract

The external morphological characters of scales in Cionus (Clairville), 1798 (Curculionidae: Curculioninae) were examined by light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Dried museum materials that are deposited in AEZMU Ent. (Zoology Museum of Ahi Evran University) were used in this study. Specimens were examined under the stereomicroscope (Olympus SZX-16) and measurements taken. Abdomens were removed to reach elytra by first softening the abdomen. Similarities and differences among the species were discussed. Although the scales look alike under the light microscope, they showed a rather different pattern with SEM. The fine structure of scales was shown to be useful for comparing species.