Comparative Morphogenesis of Mouth Parts Sensilla Between the Leptocybe invasa and Ophelimus maskelli (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Its Relationship to Their Vital Capacity (original) (raw)

The study investigates the comparative morphogenesis of mouth part sensilla between the gall-inducing wasps Leptocybe invasa and Ophelimus maskelli, focusing on their distribution, size, and relationship to host acceptance and vital capacity. A comprehensive allometric analysis was conducted to explore how the size of sensory organs correlates with body size and feeding behaviors, revealing significant differences between the two species. Findings indicate that O. maskelli exhibits greater fecundity and induces more galls than L. invasa, suggesting its potential as a more competitive species.