Zephyr Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 I'm no expert, but comparing this to Roth's diagrams, it looks like the B. boliviensis is what it is, whereas the "B. parabolicus" may in fact be B. atropos! I need more opinions, please. Blaberus boliviensis: "Blaberus parabolicus": "Blaberus parabolicus": First photo came from the male on the left, second photo came from the male on the right. Both are from the same strain of "B. parabolicus." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pharma Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 Hi Zephyr You did it! Are these just "raw" genitalia or did you prepare them somehow? Roth discoloured them with a base (was it 10% sodium/potassium hydroxide?)... I don't have an opinion right now but I miss the whole rest of the genitalia. Where are these spikes and the fine membrane also used by Roth for the identification? You know, only one individual doesn't make the whole species; there are always variations not only in size, shape and colour of the "outer roach-surfaces". But on the other hand, two different genitalia from one strain might as well be a hint for hybridisation... Grüessli Andreas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted August 28, 2010 Author Share Posted August 28, 2010 Hi Zephyr You did it! Are these just "raw" genitalia or did you prepare them somehow? Roth discoloured them with a base (was it 10% sodium/potassium hydroxide?)... I don't have an opinion right now but I miss the whole rest of the genitalia. Where are these spikes and the fine membrane also used by Roth for the identification? You know, only one individual doesn't make the whole species; there are always variations not only in size, shape and colour of the "outer roach-surfaces". But on the other hand, two different genitalia from one strain might as well be a hint for hybridisation... Grüessli Andreas The extent of the preparation was leaving the individuals to soak in 70% isopropyl alcohol for about 2 hours. I didn't do discoloration or anything like that (if anyone knows what to use, I'll get some of it!) I forgot about the other portions of the genitalia, but I can always get more from my colonies. I read in an article (maybe it was Roth's?) that there is a degree of variation in the shape of the genitalia, even within the same species from the same culture. I have suspected my Blaberus parabolicus of being hybrids, due to an incredible variation in pronotum pattern variation, and, from these photos, the noticeable difference in genitalia shape. The Blaberus boliviensis, however, are most certainly pure, untainted stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt K Posted September 1, 2010 Share Posted September 1, 2010 I hate to say it, but those don't look like the parabolicus I had..... wish I had some better photos around here (and might) somewhere....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pharma Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Hi You surely mean this publication: http://psyche.entclub.org/pdf/76/76-217.pdf I think it was 10% sodium hydroxide being used for discoloration. In the "phyto-lab" we usually use chloral hydrate for discoloration of plant material; no idea whether it also works with chitin and sclerotic insect organs... Grüessli Andreas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pharma Posted December 5, 2010 Share Posted December 5, 2010 Hi Zephyr Did you examine some Blaberus fusca and B. craniifer too? I wonder whether there is any difference... Grüessli Andreas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted December 11, 2010 Author Share Posted December 11, 2010 I haven't examined B. fusca and B. craniifer, mainly because only now are my pure B. fusca maturing. I do, however, have B. craniifer and "Blaberus peruvianus" males preserved that I will get to dissecting after my college finals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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