How Stomaphis aphids use their giant proboscides |
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Authors: | Roman Rakitov Sergei Karengin Olga Karengina |
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Institution: | 1. Arthropoda Lab, Paleontological Institute RAS, Moscow, Russia;2. Moscow, Russia |
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Abstract: | To penetrate tree bark, arboreal aphids of the genus Stomaphis Walk. (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) have proboscides up to three times their body length. Our observations of S. quercus (L.) complement a recent analysis of the anatomy and function of these mouthparts by clarifying how these relatively short-legged aphids move their proboscides between the resting position, pointing back, and the prognathous working position. The absence of crumenae in Stomaphis aphids and their feeding technique are discussed. |
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Keywords: | Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha feeding behaviour anatomy mouthparts |
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