The aculeus is the elongate, sclerotized, apical part of the ovipositor. Its base is attached to the eversible membrane and these can be retracted into the oviscape. If the aculeus is not everted or visible through the oviscape as is sometimes possible in specimens in alcohol, the terminalia must be dissected to examine the aculeus. The ventral side of the aculeus can be recognized by the cloacal opening and 8th sternites.

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