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Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/16/2010 Publication Date: 2/2/2011 Citation: Esquivel, J.F. 2011. Improved visualization of fat body conditions and abundance in the southern green stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Journal of Entomological Science. 46:52-61. Interpretive Summary: The southern green stink bug is a pest of cotton and, like all other insects, uses fat bodies for survival when food is scarce or environmental conditions are unfavorable. Fat body cells comprise the insect fat body. Differing cell types and amount of cells were previously reported without adequate supporting images. During ongoing biological studies of the southern green stink bug, additional types of cells were recognized. Images of these newly identified fat body cells are presented here in addition to the initial images documenting the amount of fat body cells that can be encountered in adults. Fat body cells were characterized as: 1) cloudy, white, and oily; 2) spongy, white; 3) spongy, yellow; and 4) honeycomb. Amounts of fat body cells in abdomens were categorized as abundant, intermediate, and lean. This study presents the initial record of the newly identified fat body cell types, and provides the first images depicting the amounts of fat body cells that can be encountered in adult southern green stink bugs. These images provide a foundation to aid in determining potential survival of the southern green stink bug in the cotton-producing regions of the southern United States. Technical Abstract: Fat bodies are a crucial source of energy for insect survival and reproduction. Differing types of fat body cells and amounts have been previously reported for southern green stink bug but clear supporting images are lacking. Further, in ongoing studies elucidating the ecology of southern green stink bug in the southern United States, additional types of fat body cells in the abdomen were observed that had not been previously reported, and findings are presented here. Four types of fat body cells were characterized based on appearance as: 1) cloudy, white, and oily; 2) spongy, white; 3) spongy, yellow; and 4) honeycomb. Amounts of fat body cells in abdomens were categorized as abundant, intermediate, and lean. This report improves the sole existing schematic of fat body cell types, presents an initial record and images relating to newly identified fat body cell types, and provides the first visuals depicting the amounts of fat body cells that can be encountered in adult southern green stink bugs. These findings are critical components in elucidating the biology and ecology of the southern green stink bug. |
