Accesssory sex glands of Spodoptera mauritia Boisd (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

In Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programmes, manipulation of reproductive system of insect pests is considered to be an excellent target to check their uncontrolled multiplication. In most insects accessory sex glands (ASGs) occur as secondary structures associated with the primary reproductive organs to ensure the reproductive success of the species. In the present study an inquiry into the morphogenesis of these glands has been done in order to understand the developmental sequences of the ASGs in both sexes of Spodoptera mauritia Boisd. The study shows that ASGs appeared as small discrete structures in the early pupal phase and underwent a sequential and continuous growth throughout the pupal phase. The morphogenesis of ASGs was complete in the pupal phase itself except an increase in the volume by the time of adult emergence.