Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
slightly beyond apex of palpi, lateral margins are slightly convex; dental formula is
2/2, with approximately eight denticles in a file.
Scutum: Scutum is approximately four-fifths as long as wide. Cervical grooves
are straight, extending slightly beyond mid-length of scutum. Punctations are rare.
Legs: Coxa are with spurs similar to those of female.
Larva (
Figures 2.89 and 2.90
)
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Larva measures approximately 0.6 mm in length and 0.5 mm in width.
Capitulum: Basis capitulum is approximately 2
1
2
times as wide as long; cornua
are obsolete, suggested by rounded basolateral junctures; lateral and posterior mar-
gins are straight. Palpi with basal and outer margins are quite similar to those of
nymph while inner margin is straight. Hypostome is extending slightly beyond the
apex of palpi; lateral margins are slightly convex; dental formula is 2/2, with six or
seven denticles in a file.
Scutum: Cervical grooves are concave, extend to posterior margin of scutum.
Punctations are rare.
Legs: Coxa I is with a small, triangular, inner spur; coxa II and III are each with
a very slightly elevated ridge basally (spurs obsolete).
Related Species
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H. intermedia, although closely related to H. bispinosa, is easily distinguished by a
combination of characters including very small size; inner situation of the widely
triangular, flat, dorsobasal spur of palpal segment III, and the widely convex inner
margin numerous large, often contiguous scutal punctations; and medium length of
lateral grooves. Specialists have confused Indian material of intermedia with bispi-
nosa through a failure to appreciate the structured difference in the dorsobasal spur
of palpal segment III in the two species, particularly in specimens in which the
mouthparts are occluded with flesh of the host and the palps are spread outwardly
and rotated, distorting its apparent position. Further contributing to the misidentifi-
cation of these species is the fact that while this spur is more inwardly situated in
intermedia there is some variation in its location and some specimens have it
approaching the median position of bispinosa. However, the spur in intermedia is a
thin, flat structure with its internal margin contiguous with the margin of the palpal
segment, while in bispinosa the spur is stout, thickened, elevated, and set slightly
anterior to the basal margin of the palp. The adults also resemble H. kutchensis in
general fades and such morphological details as the ventral spur of palpal segment
III, form of the spurs of the coxa and trochanters, and number and appearance of
the infrainternal setae. But the species is readily separated from kutchensis by the
distinctive appearance of the dorsobasal and internobasal margin of palpal segment
III; in kutchensis the internobasal margin extends medially well beyond the internal
margin of segment II and a basal spine is lacking, in contrast with intermedia
which has a flat, basal, pointed, and widely triangular spur.
