Preliminary study of male genitalia structure in seven dominant species of Lepidoptera (Family: Pieridae) in northern Iran, west of Mazandaran province

Genital morphology, particularly of the male, is one of the principal characters used in most taxonomic studies of the Lepidoptera, and in some studies is the only character used. In previous studies of researchers, species of family Pieridae have been identified in the different region of Iran altogether. Most previous research have focused on morphologic characters and wing venation patterns, whereas genitalia structures were not investigated exactly. The present study contains Pieridae family explored in western Mazandaran Province of Iran with a description of male genitalia structure for the first time and re-description of faunistic characters on given species. Fieldwork was carried out in 6 area Ramsar, Abbas Abad, Kelardasht, Kojur (in Noshahr), Chalus & Marzanabad. Sampling was random and conducted from April to September, during the year 2015, throughout the day from 10:00 am to 16:00 pm at stations with different heights. Detailed Taxonomic and color patterns identification was done by using available valid keys in books and papers. After preparation of samples, the genital material was removed from the abdomen with fine forceps, placed into 5 ml of 10%potassium hydroxide solution, washed with tap water, transferred to 20%, 70%, and 90% alcohol, in each for 10 min. After dehydration, samples immersed in xylene for 5-7 min and stained with eosin 2%, mounted by using Canada balsam and carefully observed under the dissecting microscope. Size and shape of different parts of genitalia structure such as valve, superuncus, uncus saccus, sacculus, and aedeagus were studied. In this study Seven species, Pieris brassicae (LINNAEUS, 1758), Pieris (napi) pseudorapae (VERITY, 1908), Pieris rapae (LINNAEUS, 1758), Aporia crataegi (LINNAEUS, 1758), Pontia (daplidice) edusa (LINNAEUS, 1758; FABRICIUS, 1777), Colias crocea (FOURCROY, 1758) & Gonepteryx rhamni (LINNAEUS, 1758) are reported and evaluated. The results obtained herein reflect observations that had not been previously used in the taxonomy of family Pieridae in the north of Iran. This features can be used for future phylogenetic and systematic studies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pieridae ، Faunistic ، Male genitalia ، western Mazandaran ، Iran