Morphological and Histological Observations on the Hair Brush of Endoclita Vietnamensis (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae)

The study investigates the hair brush on the postpedes of male Endoclita vietnamensis, a significant pest affecting eucalyptus trees in China, using electron microscopy. The hair brush consists of large, flattened, pale yellow scales attached to the epidermis, with a swollen hair follicle at the base. The interior is hollow with ducts, and the surface has pores and ridges. Tissue cells in the tibial segment show features like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, indicating secretory activity. Identifying the pheromone gland's location and structure provides a basis for future research on E. vietnamensis communication and developing pheromone-based pest control methods.