THE MORPHOLOGY OF ABDOMINAL SCENT GLANDS OF THE RED PUMPKIN BUG, Coridius janus (HETEROPTERA: PENTATOMIDAE)

The Nymph of C. janus have three pairs of Orange coloured abdominal scent glands situated in the mid-dorsal region, underneath the tergum between the first and second, second and third, third and fourth, fourth and fifth segments. The first pair of glands are oval in shape (L 1.12±0.15mm, W 0.87±0.14mm,W 185.67± 18.60µg ) as compared to other pairs. These glands bears muscles that regulate ejection of their secretion. The second (L 2.07±0.21mmW 2.72±0.33mm,W 298.65±16.20 µg) and third ( L2.66±0.54mm,W 3.22±0.41mm,W 345.70±24.50 µg) abdominal scent glands are larger and roughly rectangular in shape and open dorsally separately on the tergum by two Ostioles. When the Nymph of bugs on being disturbed volatile scent is ejected out through a pair of ostioles.The scent secretion is defensive against predators.