Morphological Differences in the Ordinary Scales between Two Species of Japanese Pieris, P. melete Menetries and P. napi (Linnaeus)(Lepidoptera : Pieridae)

概要

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Ordinary scales, especially cover scales on the discal portion of the forewing upperside were compared in two Japanese species of Pieris, P. melete Menetries, 1857 and P. napi (L., 1758). The following four differences were found between these two species ; the first finding is in males and the second to fourth ones are in both sexes. 1) The distal portion of cover scales is curled dorsally in P. melete, while in P. napi the scales are evenly flattened throughout its length. 2) The distal margin of cover scales is more deeply incised and tips more sharply pointed in P. melete than in P. napi. 3) Number of serrations on the distal margin of cover scales is generally greater in P. melete than in P. napi, but not significantly different. 4) As to the reticular microstructure on the upper surface of cover scales, the distance between longitudinal ridges and that between cross-ribs are shorter in P. melete than in P. napi, and consequently the reticulation appears denser in P. melete than in P. napi. The curled distal margin of the cover scales in P. melete males is presumed to enhance the evaporation of scent substances from the androconia during male hover flight.
日本昆虫学会の論文
1999-03-25