Differences in egg morphology of the stored-grain pests Rhyzopertha dominica and Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera : Bostrichidae)

Differences in the egg morphology of the invasive stored-product pests Prostephanus truncatus and Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) based on optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs are presented. Diagnostic characteristics and changes in external egg appearance during development of the embryo are described. Significant differences between the eggs of these two species were found in their shape, size, surface structures, colour changes during development, and the thickness and number of eggshell layers. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.