G. it. Ent., 6 (33): 243-248
April 30, 1993
Anatomy of the extreme abdominal regions during mating
in Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae)
by
D. B. BENNER
Abstract - Copulation in Megaselia scalaris lasts for approximately 32 seconds. The flies quickly separate if disturbed, so attempts to examine the anatomy of the extreme abdominal organs during copulation have not been successful. Two mating pairs have been fortuitously preserved and the anatomy of the extreme abdominal regions is reported. The phallosome is inserted into the posterior chamber of the ovipositor. It is held in place by regions of the ovipositor which fit into depressions in the phallosome. There are no abdominal regions which appear to be involved in holding the pair together, but post mortem changes have obscured the contact points between the abdominal surfaces. The opening of the aedeagus is positioned in the ventral region of the ovipositor, which would facilitate the movement of the sperm into the anterior chamber through a ventral opening.
