Scanning Electron Microscopic Observations on Male Echinolaelaps echidninus (Berlese, 1887) (Dermanyssoidea: Laelapidae) with Emphasis on its Gnathosoma, Palpal Organ and Pulvilli

摘要

The present Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) study includes morphological observations on male Echinolaelaps echidninus with particular attention to the undescribed details of its gnathosoma, palpal organ and pulvilli that have rarely described in males of superfamily Dermanyssoidea. The holoventral plate had 23 setae, including 5 pairs in sternogenital region, 5 pairs in preanal region and 3 anal setae. The peritreme extended anteriorly behind coxa 2 from an oval pit situated ventro-laterally between coxae 3 and 4. Gnathosoma consisted of long basis capituli carrying median hypostome and 2 lateral pedipalps. Hypostome had median labium terminated with 2 lobulated plates, cheliceral digits forming pincers-like claw and 2 pointed corniculi. Each pedipalp terminated with tarsus that carried 9 sensillae forming the palpal organ. Small conical sensillae assumed to be chemoreceptors while long broad ones were probably mechanoreceptors. Pulvillis 1 had smooth surface and terminated with 2 small claws and integumental folds. Pulvilli 2-4 had smooth dorsal surface, ventral longitudinal ridges and 2 lateral plates, each with minute processes.