Scanning electron micrographic studies on the morphology of the eggs of Nepids (Hemiptera: Nepidae)

Abstract

Water bugs are well known to exhibit diversity in ovipositional behavior and sites. Among nepids Laccotrephes oviposit their eggs under the sand grains in bunches while Ranatra oviposit inside the soft parts of floating vegetation of the fresh water habitats. Scanning electron microscopic study was carried out on egg chorion of nepids shows that bead shaped projections are distributed in clusters over the chorionic surface of both the insects. Tips of the respiratory horns showed pores for respiration and posterior part of the egg contain micropylar region. An oval parchment like area was observed in the eggs of Laccotrephes termed as complex chorionic hydropyle and the significance of the investigation is discussed.