Embryogenesis of Xyleborus ferrugineus (Fabr.) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae). II. Developmental rates of male and female embryos

Abstract

The developmental rates of male and female embryos of Xyleborus ferrugineus were compared by charting for each sex the mean age for each of ten discrete morphological stages of embryogenesis from pole cell exclusion to eclosion male and female embryos developed synchronously from stage 1 (which begins with pole cell exclusion) through stage 4 (which ends with the completion of germ band extension and metamerization). After stage 4 and throughout the remainder of embryogenesis, the mean ages per morphological stage of male embryos were significantly greater than those for female embryos. The expected physiological consequences of a haploid genome in the male embryo as compared to a diploid condition in the female embryo are discussed as the possible basis for the persistent lag observed in male developmental rate after stage 4.