Fundamentals of Entomology (2+1)

INSECT ABDOMEN

ABDOMEN

• The dorsal and ventral abdominal segments are termed terga (singular tergum) and sterna (singular sternum), respectively. Spiracles usually can be found in the conjunctive tissue between the terga and sterna of abdominal segments 1-8. Reproductive structures are located on the 9th segment in males (including the aedeagus, or penis, and often a pair of claspers) and on the 8th and 9th abdominal segments in females (female external genitalia copulatory openings and ovipositor).

MODIFICATIONS OF THE OVIPOSITOR

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM

Female (note the long ovipositor Male (two cerci at the end of Between the cerci) the abdomen)