Temperature-Dependent Density of Setae in the Spermathecal Gland of Plodia interpunctella1

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Abstract
The distribution and type of sensillum-like setae in spermathecal glands of adult female Indian meal moths, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), was investigated in insects exposed to several constant temperatures. Number of spermathecal glands with setae and number of setae per gland increased with rising temperature when prepupae were exposed to temperatures ranging from 24°–36°C. Also, when larvae were reared to prepupal stage at 24° or 30°C and then exposed to 33° or 36°C, setal count increased. Number of setae was largest when the temperature differential was greatest. Exposure to 33° and 36°C changed the shape of the spermathecal gland and there were more bent setae, perhaps because of the angle at which the setae projected across the lumen and the faster rate of growth due to increased temperature.