Estructura del órgano timpánico de un combinado: Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.), (Lepidóptera, crambidae).

Abstract

The structure of the tympanic organ of the sugar-cane moth borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.)  is described. The insects were disserted in vivo, processed as for electron microscopy technique and one-micron sections were made in the ultramicrótomo. The presence of four large nuclei in the distal swelling, which correspond in number with the scolops in the proximal swelling is demonstrated. Two of these scolops have terminal filaments. which are a typical feature of the tympanic organs of Pyralidoidea. The eaps of the scolop; are directed inwards, and not two wards the tympanic membrane therefore this is an inverted scolopidial organ. The fixation cord which joins the distal swelling with the tympanic membrane has a fibrilar structure. Differences in relation to the structure of these organs in other Pyralidoidea and their possible functional organization are discussed.