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Fig. 3 | Parasites & Vectors

Fig. 3

From: The Lutzomyia longipalpis complex: a brief natural history of aggregation-sex pheromone communication

Fig. 3

Lutzomyia longipalpis aggregation-sex pheromone communication system. a The aggregation-sex pheromones is produced by males in glands located in the pale spots in the third and/or fourth abdominal tergites. b Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) of the cuticular papules with a central pore disseminating structures located in pale spots. The secretion is produced by pheromone gland cells grouped beneath the cuticle showed in light microscopy (LM). Details of two large columnar secretory cells can be observed in this transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Each gland cell is connected to the exterior via a small cuticular duct and present two distinct parts: a basal region with vacuoles containing lipids (L) and an apical region with an end apparatus and a small reservoir (SR). c The main component of the pheromone differs among populations and represent different chemotypes. d The pheromone is perceived by the paired ascoid sensilla present in antennae of both male and female showed in SEM. The pheromone functions for male as an aggregation pheromone and as sex pheromone by female

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