| The chorion surface structure of the eggs of 31 species of the subfamily Parnassiinae was studied by SEM on a comparative basis. The eggs are briefly described and taxonomic characters are illustrated. The eggs of all examined species of the genus Parnassius possess a very thick, externally highly sculptured chorion, whereas in all other genera of the Parnassiinae the eggs are externally smooth, as in most Papilioninae. The thickened, externally sculptured chorion is regarded as an autapomorphy of the genus Parnassius, which probably is linked to the hibernation of the fully developed first instar larvae within the egg shell. Die Feinstruktur der Chorionoberfläche der Eier von 31 Arten der Unterfamilie Parnassiinae wurde vergleichend... |
