3D volume reconstruction of the adult brown planthopper: Flighting and mating

This study presents a comprehensive three-dimensional anatomical atlas of the adult Nilaparvata lugens using micro-CT and FIB-SEM. The reconstructions reveal the spatial organization of the flight muscle system, digestive tract, reproductive organs, and nervous system. The indirect flight muscles, including dorsal longitudinal and dorsoventral muscles, are structurally similar between sexes but show size differences in certain components. The female reproductive system occupies most of the abdominal cavity, reflecting high fecundity, while the male reproductive system features a specialized ejaculatory duct associated with muscular control. Notably, the genital coupling during copulation involves a sophisticated interlocking structure, ensuring stable alignment and preventing separation. These structural insights offer a holistic framework for understanding dispersal and reproduction in N. lugens, with implications for developing novel pest management strategies.