Scanning electron microscope observations of wax secretion in Pseudococcus comstocki
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Key Words：scale insect, mealybug, wax secretion, ultrastructure
Abstract： The microscopic characteristics and ultrastructure of wax secretion by different life stages of the mealybug Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana) were observed under a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. This revealed that the main pores of P. comstocki are trilocular pores, which increase in number and become more widespread with development. Furthermore, each wax filament is secreted from individual locular pores distributed over the dorsum of body. Tubular ducts produce long, hollow filaments that serve as a framework for the ovisac structures at a distinct time during development. The egg surface clings to a thin layer of small curled and multiridged wax filaments produced by multilocular pores, which prevents them sticking to each other.