Documentation of brochosomes within Hemiptera, with emphasis on Heteroptera (Insecta)

Brochosomes, small secretory particles often found in abundance on the integument of leafhoppers, are currently considered a unique feature of the family Cicadellidae. The present work documents, for the first time, brochosomes in two other groups of Hemiptera, i.e. Psylloidea and Heteroptera. In Heteroptera the occurrence of relatively large amounts of brochosomes on various body parts is documented in several species of different families. Morphological structures of the legs and the setation are illustrated in detail and compared to those of Cicadellidae. The results are based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of museum specimens. The possible function of brochosomes within Hemiptera is briefly discussed.