Ultrasturucture of Aedeagus and Spermatheca of type species of Hypocassida Weise, 1893 (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Cassidini) and their taxonomic significance.

Aedeagus and spermatheca of the type species Hypocassida subferruginea (Schrank) of the Palaearcticgenus Hypocassida Weise have been studied and figured on the base of 20 and 24 specified characters respectively under both stereo microscope and SEM for the first time. Contrary of popular acceptance, it is demonstrated that the characteristics of the aedeagal and spermathecal structures, which can be obtained with SEM studies especially, can be used at almost all taxonomic level diagnostically, however, will have different values ​​for different taxonomic categories. As a result of this study, in aedeagi, especially seven diverse characters (including characteristics of apex in dorsal view, general shape in lateral view, etc..), and in spermathecae, vasculum, ampulla, ductus glandula auxiliaris and ductus spermatheca are found generally constant within species, but distinct and useful in comparison with other species in the tribe Cassidini. Eventually, the aedeagal and spermathecal structure of the type species was found to be distinctive not only at the species level but also at the generic level. Accordingly, as an important output, the taxonomic position of Hypocassida is confirmed again on the base of aedeagal and spermathecal structures of its type species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]