Peculiarities of the brain organization and fine structure in small insects related to miniaturization. 3. Barklice (Psocoptera, Liposcelididae)

Abstract

The third communication in this series describes the structure of the brain in one of the smallest psocopterans, Liposcelis bostrychophila (Liposcelididae), studied in a series of histological sections with the use of 3D reconstructions and TEM. Like all microinsects, L. bostrychophila shows both oligomerization and concentration of ganglia, an increased relative volume of the brain, and a reduced number and size of neurons. In addition, reduction of one of the optic lobes is noted. The structural features of the neuropil brain centers in the early and late first-instar nymphs are described.