Question

Distinguish between male and female beetles. Explain what the key morphological differences are between males and females. Define spermatophore, egg, larva.

Answer 1

At the beetle’s rear end, the beetle has segments on its shell called sternites. On a female, there is no separation between the sternites. On a male, there is a membrane between the sternites that covers the male copulatory organ. In addition, males are frequently larger and have enlarged mandibles.

The spermatophore is a protective package of sperm passed from the male to the female.

An egg is the vessel containing the zygote in which an embryo develops.

A larva is an immature feeding form of insects that forms the stage between egg and pupa and undergoes some metamorphosis.