TY - JOUR JF - Acarologia T1 - The structure of the ovipositor and the mechanics of oviposition in the oribatid mite Machadobelba symmetrica Bal. (Acari: Cryptostigmata) VL - 19 IS - 1 SP - 149 EP - 154 PY - 1977 SN - 0044-586X SN - 2107-7207 PB - Les Amis d'Acarologia AU - Wallwork, J.A. UR - https://www1.montpellier.inrae.fr/CBGP/acarologia/article.php?id=3020 DA - 1977-09-30 KW - Acari KW - Machadobelba symmetrica KW - Ovipositor KW - Morphology KW - egg laying AB - A description is given of the structure of the ovipositor, and the mechanism of egg-lying in the oribatid mite Machadobelba symmetrica Bal. In general, Grandjean’s (1956) observations are confirmed. The absence of k setae and the triangular configuration of setae on the latero-dorsallobes are features associated with the ’higher’oribatids. The passage of the egg along the ovipositor is described, and it is suggested that the eugenitallobes play a part in creating micro-cavities in which the eggs are deposited. ER -