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Animalia >Arthropoda >Insecta >Hemiptera >Pentatomidae >Plautia >

The stinkbug Plautia crossota has a special organ called "pulse organ" on the underside of posterior thorax. This organ functions to facilitate circulation of body fluid. The organ is located under the small scutum, parts of which are colorless and transparent. Consequently, the pulse organ can be observed from outside through the body surface. Pulses are produced as valves of the organ are moved by the motion of 5-6 fibers attached to them. The movement is rhythmic but there also are pauses in between. Relationship between activity of the pulse organ and other activities such as flying were examined, but there was no clear correlation. It was also unclear to which parts of the body the body fluid is pumped from the pulse organ. The video shows the underside of the small scutum upon dissection.

(Data No.momo050103ps01b)

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