External features of embryonic development of a jumping bristletail, <i>Pedetontus unimaculatus</i> Machida (Insecta, Thysanura, Machilidae)

Abstract

The external features of the embryo and the first instar larva of Pedetontus unimaculatus are described. Blastokinesis of P. unimaculatus is very similar to that of Petrobius brevistylis (Larink, '69), but differs from that of Machilis alternata (Heymons and Heymons, '05). The superficial structures of three pairs of protocerebral lobes are present. The terga of the mandibular, maxillary, and labial segments take part in the formation of the head capsule. In the maxilla and labium, the palpi are homologous with the telopodites of the legs; the other parts proximal to the palpi are homologous with the coxopodites. No sternal element contributes to the postmentum. Both glossa and paraglossa consist of two lobes. The pleuropodium, stylus and ventral sac are derived from distal parts of appendage anlagen. The pleuropodium of the first abdominal segment is homologous with the styli of the successive abdominal segments; the ventral sacs of succeeding segments are serially homologous. The basal parts of appendage anlagen cover each sternum in the first to ninth abdominal segments to form coxites, which are therefore appendicular in origin. The basal part of the cercus also covers the ventral and lateral surfaces of the eleventh abdominal segment.