Insights into the Functional Potential of rhe Rice Weevil Rostrum Based on Microstructure.

The structural differentiation of rostrum in male and female adults of rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae was examined under
the light and electron microscopes to understand its functional potential in infestation/ovipositional tactics. The
microscopic observation revealed that, the length of the rostrum was remarkably longer and thinner for females than in
males. This adaptation in females is highly specific to deposit and protect eggs inside the grains. With the help of welldefined
mouthparts in the apex of the rostrum, weevils chew and swallow food through the tunnel in the rostrum. No
remarkable segments or sensillae were observed in both male and female rostrums. The study also signified that, rostrum
could be used as a morphological marker key in differentiating males and females in S. oryzae and this species nearly
shares common morphological features of rostrum with S. zeamais and S. granarius.