Surface Structure of the Alluring Gland in the Eri-Silkmoth, Philosamia cynthia ricini D. (Lepidoptera : Saturniidae) : Opening of the Sex-Pheromone Secretory Duct

Abstract

The surface structure of the alluring gland in the Eri-silkmoth (Philosamia cynthia ricini D.) was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Many irregular mammiform-like eminences were observed on the surface. Long spinescent processes are distributed at the top of the eminence. Inside of the spinescent process, the duct-like sex-pheromone secretory structure was found. These findings led the authors to assume that structure must be connected with the opening of the pore canal through the cuticle, and that the sexpheromone was led to the pore canal, transported to the cavity of the spinescent process, and finally to the outside through the opening of the small cavity.