Descripción anatómica de los órganos genitales y glándulas secretoras abdominales del escarabajo Ulomoides dermestoides (Fairmare 1893) (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)

Ulomoides dermestoides is a tenebrionid coleopter that was reported as a plague on stored grain and has displayed biotechnological potential due to attributed pharmacological properties. This investigation was done with the objective of establishing the anatomical description of the genitalia for the insect that grew up in laboratory conditions (a diet based on peanut, a relative humidity of 70%, and an average temperature of 23°C, to 1300msnm) at the ITCR-Biotechnology Research Centre in Cartago, Costa Rica. The Genitalia and the Abdominal Glands in both sexes were prepared to be observed macroscopically and with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in the University of Costa Rica –Microscopic Structures Investigation Centre, San Jose, Costa Rica. The females showed the ovipositor structures, the reproductive and defensive systems, and two sensorial apicales walls with mechanic and chemical receptors. It was reported internal sclerotic structures with function in the oviposition, as well as the guides that go along with the elastic oviduct tissue and are part of the ovipositor final segment. The males displayed the aedeagus and its internal extensions, as well as a particular shape that allows its introduction and connection during the sexual intercourse copula that also help them as a guide for their defensive secretion. The photomicrographs showed the presence of secretion corrugated glands in both sexes (1.05mm in length by 350um in diameter), displaying a strong adhesion to the abdominal wall by the secretors muscular conducts convergence tissue associated to the communication between the gonopore and the glandular receiver. It was found bacterial cells inside the glands and their presence is possible because of a pathological infection or a symbiosis with another organism; however, it was not clearly differentiated. The secretions were associated to the defensive mechanism of the species, where the genital cavity is impregnated with the secretion.