A scanning electron microscope study on the egg of a hybrid stick-insect (Cheleutoptera, Bacillidae)

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Abstract
The morphology of the egg of a hybrid stick insect from the cross between Bacillus atticus caprai and B. rossius redtenbacheri has been studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Comparisons are made between eggs laid by both natural and laboratory hybrid females, and those of the parental species. The main differences observed concern the capsule sculpturing, the operculum organization and the micropylar plate morphology. Some characters more closely resemble B. rossius (e.g. the depressions and reliefs in the capsule sculpturing), some B. atticus (e.g. the capsule's irregular pattern of little pits), while others appear to be intermediate (e.g. the operculum morphology). The effects of hybridization on the egg are compared with those on other aspects of the hybrid's morphology.