Objectives.

To expand knowledge about the reproductive biology of the Auchenorrhyncha hemiptera group, this paper describes the histology of the male reproductive system of Aethalio reticulatum.

Scope.

The treehoppers of the Aethalionidae family are terrestrial insects and predominantly phytophagous, which are configured as agricultural pests when they are in high population densities. Knowledge of the reproductive biology of these insects generates characters that can provide key information for future work related to evolution, behavior and pest control strategies.

Methodology.

Insect samples were collected from the Trema micrantha bush and optical microscopy techniques were used to study the reproductive anatomy of A. reticulatum.

Main results.

The anatomy of the internal reproductive system in males is composed of a pair of testicles, each of which contains four follicles, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, accessory glands and an ejaculatory duct. Testicular follicles have cells at different stages of development. The sperm leave the testicles in packages and break down when they reach the seminal vesicles. On each cyst on average 649 sperm were found. The accessory glands secrete different types of secretion granules. The ejaculatory duct has a cuticle that shows its ectodermal origin.

Conclusion.

The histology of the reproductive system of the Aethalionidae family is described for the first time, generating information that increases knowledge about its biology and that can be used in the Auchenorrhyncha system and in future control strategies for this important agricultural pest.

        · resumo em Espanhol     · texto em Espanhol     · Espanhol ( pdf )