The anatomy of the head and mouth parts of Psylla mali, the Apple sucker, with some remarks on the function of the labium

Abstract

The investigation, of which the results contained in this paper are a part, was first commenced in 1910. It was then proposed to describe in some detail the entire anatomy of the adult insect, but when a measure of progress had been made, and the alimentary, tracheal, and nervous systems had been almost completed, the work was interrupted by my taking up an appointment in India. On returning to England in 1915, the enquiry was resumed for a short period at the end of the year, but early in 1916 it had to be abandoned again to meet the superior claims of entomological work with the Forces in Mesopotamia, for the War Office. This, and other investigations connected with problems which have arisen in England in consequence of the War, prevented any further progress being made, but, with the declaration of the Armistice it was felt that attention might once more be given to it. In the limited time which could be devoted to the work, it has not been possible to carry out the original plan of including the whole anatomy in one paper, and the description of the head and mouth parts has been selected because of the somewhat novel considerations which have arisen in connection with the latter, particularly with regard to the function of the labium during the operation of piercing, the publication of which it seemed undesirable to delav further.