Morphology and Surface Structure of Eggs and First Instar Larvae of Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

The seven-spotted ladybug, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) L., is a polyphagous predatory species that feeds on many species of aphids and some soft-bodied insects in both larval and adult stages. For this reason, C. septempunctata L. (Coccinellidae) is very important in biological control. In this study, the egg structure and first larval period of C. septempunctata were examined using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. C. septempunctata eggs are clear and oval, appearing elliptical dorsally and ventrally and slightly rounded at both ends. The first larvae that emerge from C. septempunctata eggs are dark brown and have 3 pairs of legs. The abdomen consists of 8 segments. In SEM photographs, star-shaped structures were observed on both sides of the strip on the dorsal surface of the thorax and abdomen of the larvae. Large stigma openings were found at equal intervals on the lateral of abdomen. The egg and larval structure of the invasive species C. septempunctata is described in detail.

Keywords

• yumurtalar
• larvalar
• stereomikroskop
• taramalı elektron mikroskobu
• eggs
• larvae
• stereomicroscope
• scanning electron microscope