Morphology of Myrmecophila manni, a myrmecophilous cricket (Orthoptera:Gryllidae)

Scanning electron microscopy showed that the myrmecophilous cricket, Myrmecophila manni Schimmer, retains many structural features common to typical gryllids and has few of the morphological features often associated with myrmecophily. However, the mouth parts, particularly the labrum and epipharynx, are highly modified for strigilation and trophallaxis. The structure of the ovipositor is unique in that it can expand greatly to permit the passage of large eggs. This cricket also differs from typical gryllids in having stemmata instead of compound eyes, a feature probably related to its life inside dark ant nests where it does not need good vision. Behavioral, rather than morphological, attributes are probably more important in adapting the crickets for life with ants.