SPECIALIZED TARSAL HAIRS ON ADULT MALE COLORADO POTATO BEETLES, <i>LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA</i> (SAY), HAMPER ITS LOCOMOTION ON SMOOTH SURFACES

Abstract

Abstract Tarsi of male Colorado potato beetles adhere to glass and plastic surfaces limiting locomotion greatly. This is not observed with females. Scoop-like tarsal hairs present only in males are responsible for the adherence. The effect of this morphological difference on toxicological or behavioral research conducted in glass or plastic cages is discussed.