Morphological distinction of male and female pupae of tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), which has recently invaded Japan

Abstract

It is necessary to distinguish between male and female Tuta absoluta pupae in continued research regarding this pest species. Male and female pupae can be distinguished based on the following morphological characters: the genital opening is located in central portion of the 9th abdominal segment in males but at the junction of the 9th abdominal segment and the posterior margin of the 8th abdominal segment in females; the posterior margin of the 8th abdominal segment is almost straight in males, while its central margin is inwardly curved in females. In addition, the posterior margin of the 9th abdominal segment is clear in males, but is rudimentary or almost invisible in females.