Development of antennal sensilla during moulting inNeomysis integer (Leach) (Crustacea,Mysidacea)

Summary The sensilla are associated with 6 enveloping cells. The innermost enveloping cell (e 1) secretes the dendritic sheath (=thecogen cell). All other enveloping cells are involved in the formation of the outer cuticular apparatus in secreting the cuticle of a definite region of the new hair shaft.The development of the new sensilla begins when an exuvial space expands between old cuticle and epithelium. The newly forming hair shafts lie folded back in an invagination of the epidermal tissue. Only a distal shaft part projects into the free exuvial space. The cuticle of the distal and middle shaft region is secreted by the three middle enveloping cells (e 2–e 4) (=trichogen cells), which are arranged around the dendritic sheath.The wall of the cylinder, in which the distal shaft is situated, is formed by the cuticle of the future proximal shaft region. It is secreted by the outer enveloping cells (e 5 and e 6). Furthermore, both enveloping cells form the hair socket (=trichogen-tormogen cells).The outer dendritic segments encased within a dendritic sheath run up through the newly formed hair shaft and continue to the old cuticular apparatus. The connection between sensory cells and old hair shaft is maintained until ecdysis. On ecdysis the old cuticle is shed and the newly formed shaft of the sensillum is everted like the invaginated finger of a glove. The dendritic sheath and the outer dendritic segments break off at the tip of the new hair shaft. Morphologically this moulting process ensures that the sensitivity of the receptors is maintained until ecdysis.The internal organization of the sensory cells shows no striking changes during the moulting cycle. An increased number of vesicles is accumulated distally within the inner dendritic segments and distributed throughout the outer segments of the dendrites. The cytoplasmic feature of the enveloping cells indicates that synthesis and release of substances for the cuticular apparatus of the new sensillum take place.     

Ultrastructure of a possible new type of crustacean cuticular strain receptor in Carcinus maenas (crustacea,decapoda)

A hitherto unknown sensillum type, the “intracuticular sensillum” was identified on the dactyls of the walking legs of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas. Each sensillum is innervated by two sensory cells with dendrites of “scolopidial” (type I) organization. The ciliary segment of the dendrite is 5–6 μm long and contains A-tubules with an electron-dense core and dynein arm-like protuberances; the terminal segment is characterized by densely packed microtubules. The outer dendritic segments pass through the endo- and exocuticle enclosed in a dendritic sheath and a cuticulax tube (canal), which is suspended inside a slit-shaped cavity by cuticular lamellae. The dendrites and the cavity terminate in a cupola-shaped invagination of the epicuticle. External cuticular structures are lacking. Three inner and four to six outer enveloping cells are associated with each intracuticular sensillum. The innermost enveloping cell contains a large scolopale that is connected to the ciliary rootlets inside the inner dendritic segments by desmosomes. Scolopale rods are present in enveloping cell 2. Since type I dendrites and a scolopale are regarded as modality-specific structures of mechanoreceptors, and since no supracuticular endorgan is present, the intracuticular sensilla likely are sensitive to cuticular strains. The intracuticular sensilla should be regarded as analogous to insect campaniform sensilla and arachnid slit sense organs.     

TEM studies on the lattice organs of cirripede cypris larvae (Crustacea, Thecostraca, Cirripedia)

 Lattice organs consist of five pairs of sensory organs situated on the dorsal carapace in cypris larvae of the Crustacea Cirripedia. The lattice organs in cypris larvae of Trypetesa lampas (Acrothoracica) and Peltogaster paguri (Rhizocephala) represent the two main types found in cirripedes, but only minor differences exist at the TEM level. Each lattice organ is innervated by two bipolar, primary receptor cells. The inner dendritic segment of each receptor cell carries two outer dendritic segments. The outer dendritic segments contain modified cilia with a short ciliary segment (9×2+0 structure). Two sheath cells envelop the dendrite except for the distal ends of the outer dendritic segments. This distal end enters a cavity in the carapace cuticle and reaches a terminal pore situated at the far end of the cavity. The cuticle above the cavity is modified. In both species the epicuticle is partly perforated by numerous small pores and the underlying exocuticle is much thinner and less electron dense than the regular exocuticle. Lattice organs very probably have a chemosensory function and are homologous with the sensory dorsal organ of other crustacean taxa. Accepted: 18 August 1998     

Ultrastructure of the chemosensitive basiconic single-walled wall-pore sensilla on the antennae in adults and embryonic stages of Locusta migratoria L. (Insecta,Orthoptera)

Summary The structure and embryonic development of the two types (A, B) of basiconic sensilla on the antennae of Locusta migratoria were studied in material that had been cryofixed and freeze-substituted, or chemically fixed and dehydrated. Both types are single-walled wall-pore sensilla. Type-A sensilla comprise 20–30 sensory and 7 enveloping cells. One enveloping cell (thecogen cell secretes the dendrite sheath); four are trichogen cells, projections of which form the trichogen process during the 2nd embryonic molt. The trichogen cells form two concentric pairs proximally. Two tormogen cells secrete the cuticular socket of the sensillum. The dendritic outer segments of the sensory cells are branched. Bifurcate type-A sensilla have also been observed. Type-B sensilla comprise three sensory and four enveloping cells (one thecogen, two trichogen and one tormogen). The trichogen process is formed by the two trichogen cells, each of which gives rise to two projections. The trichogen cells are concentrically arranged. The dendritic outer segments of the sensory cells are unbranched. In the fully developed sensillum, all trichogen and tormogen cells border on the outer receptor lymph cavity. It is suggested that the multicellular organization of the type-A sensilla can be regarded as being advanced rather than primitive.Supported by the Dcutschc Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 4/G1)     

The fine structure of campaniform sensilla on the halteres of Drosophila melanogaster

The campaniform sensilla on halteres of Drosophila were studied by electron microscopy in order to establish the relationships of functional elements in the sensory system. The surface of the sensillum consists of an oval cuticular cap membrane which may contain resilin, the rubberlike protein. A border of denser cuticle rings the cap membrane, and extending down around the neural process is a third type of cuticle filled with a fourth light fibrous type. The four cuticular components form a system for displacement of the neural process. The neural process is differentiated into a terminal fan-shaped structure projecting from a bulbous dilatation which tapers to a neck region ending proximally with two basal bodies. The neural process is packed with microtubules. Surrounding the dendrite is an inner enveloping cell, attached to the basal body region by septate desmosomes and by desmosomes to which microtubules of the enveloping cell are applied. An outer enveloping cell surrounds the inner one. The tip of the neural process is covered with a dense secretion which is tightly bound to the cap membrane. The dense secretion is surrounded by an extracellular fluid which might be compressed hydraulically by the cuticular system. The stimulus of cuticular distortion could thus be transmitted to the neural process which may be displaced between its fixed ends.     

Fine structure of the pheromone-sensitive sensilla on the antenna of the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta

The flagellar antenna of the male hawkmoth Manduca sexta carries about 42,000 pheromone-sensitive sensilla trichodea, which are arranged in 'baskets' on the single segments. Each sensillum consists of a cuticular hair up to 500 mum long and is innervated by two bipolar sensory neurons. Each neuron sends an unbranched dendrite into the hair shaft. The dendrite is subdivided by a short ciliary region into an inner and an outer segment. The inner segment is especially rich in smooth vesicles, which accumulate beneath the ciliary region where they seem to fuse with the dendritic membrane. The outer dendritic segment often shows conspicuous 'beads' along its length. Three auxiliary, or enveloping, cells belong to each adult sensillum. These are the thecogen, the trichogen, and the 'outer' cell. Most probably, the latter is not homologous with the 'traditional' tormogen cell from a genealogical point of view.     

The coelocapitular sensillum,an antennal hygro- and thermoreceptive sensillum of the honey bee,Apis mellifera L.

Summary The sensillum coelocapitulum, a hygro- and thermoreceptive sensillum of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, was investigated by electron microscopy. The cuticular apparatus of the sensillum is a mushroomshaped protrusion, devoid of pores, set in a narrow cylindrical pit positioned centrally within a cuticular, shallow depression. There may be three or four receptor cells. Three receptor cells have unbranched sensory cilia, containing densely packed microtubules, which extend distally into the cuticular apparatus and completely fill its cavity. These connecting cilia are of the usual 9+0 type. The fourth receptor, if present, has a thin sensory cilium which terminates beneath the cuticular apparatus. Its connecting cilium has armed outer doublets. The outer cavity is formed by two enveloping cells and is completely sealed off. Lipid deposits are present within the cavity and the tormogen cell. The thecogen cell has scolopale rod-like structures around the inner cavity. Features common to the insect hygro- and thermoreceptive sensilla are discussed in comparison with those of other insects.     

Morphology and ultrastructure of the sensory spine,a presumed mechanoreceptor of Sphaeroma hookeri (Crustacea,Isopoda), and remarks on similar spines in other peracarids

The isopod Sphaeroma hookeri and many other isopods and peracarids have a sensory spine with laterally inserting sensory hair, positioned in the apical region of the propodal palm of pereopod 1. This spine is innervated by five to eight sensory cells (each giving rise to one cilium) the dendrites of which can be divided into an inner and outer dendritic segment. The cilia are surrounded by an extracellular, electron-dense dendritic sheath. Thirteen enveloping cells are present. The outer dendritic segment (structure beyond the basal bodies) contains two receptor lymph cavities; the inner one lying within the dendritic sheath is homologous with the inner receptor lymph cavity of insects. Scolopales, or tubular bodies, are lacking; their function is probably accomplished by the dendritic sheath. Apically the sensory hair does not have a pore, and the spine is heavily sclerotized. The inner dendritic segment begins with a basal body from which rootlets of different length and thickness extend into the dendrite. In the latter is an accumulation of vesicles. The dendrites keep close contact with other dendrites and the enveloping cells by desmosomal membrane structures. The possible importance of the sensory spine for phylogenetic studies is discussed.     

Are the most numerous sensilla of terrestrial isopods hygroreceptors? Ultrastructure of the dorsal tricorn sensilla of Porcellio scaber

The ultrastructure of the tricorn sensilla of the woodlouse Porcellio scaber was investigated in cryofixed and freeze-substituted, or chemically fixed specimens. The tricorn sensilla have a foramenized triangular-shaped outer hair and bear a poreless rod-like inner hair. The conical base of the inner hair is connected to the base of the outer hair by a complex cuticular structure. Each sensillum contains three sensory cells. The tip of one of the three dendrites contains a tubular body and is clamped between two bulges of the dendritic sheath. The two other dendrites protrude to the tip of the inner hair, flush against the cuticular wall. The microtubules in the ciliary segments are arranged in nine double tubuli that have neither osmiophilic cores nor arms. The ciliary rootlets are small. The inner segment of the largest dendrite wraps around the two smaller dendrites and one of seven enveloping cells in a mesaxon-like manner. Although this ultrastructure deviates considerably from most crustacean mechanosensitive sensilla, it nevertheless suggests a mechanosensitive function, at least for one of the sensory cells. In many aspects, the tricorn sensilla resemble the thermohygrosensilla of insects. However, our results suggest that the structural criteria for thermo-hygro-sensitivity used in insects cannot simply be applied to crustaceans.     

Morphology of the prothoracic discs and associated sensilla of Acanthocnemus nigricans (Coleoptera, Acanthocnemidae)

The Australian ‘little ash beetle’ Acanthocnemus nigricans (Coleoptera, Cleroidea, Acanthocnemidae) is attracted by forest fires. A. nigricans has one pair of unique prothoracic sensory organs and it has been speculated that these organs may play a role in fire detection. Each organ consists of a cuticular disc, which is fixed over an air-filled cavity. On the outer surface of the disc, about 90 tiny cuticular sensilla are situated. The poreless outer peg of a sensillum is 3–5 μm long and is surrounded by a cuticular wall. One ciliary sensory cell innervates the peg. As a special feature, the outer dendritic segment is very short already terminating below the cuticle. A massive electron-dense cylindrical rod, which most probably represents the hypertrophied dendritic sheath, extends through the cuticular canal connecting the tip of the outer dendritic segment to the peg. The dendritic inner segment and the soma are fused indistinguishably. Thin, leaflike extensions of glial cells deeply extend into that conjoint and considerably enlarged compartment which also contains large numbers of mitochondria. In summary, the sensilla of the sensory disc of A. nigricans represent a new type of insect sensillum of hitherto unknown function. The possible role of the prothoracic sensory organ in fire detection is discussed.     

Ultrastructure of the phallic glands of the firebrat,Thermobia domestica (packard) (Thysanura : Lepismatidae)

The exocrine glands located in the penis of Thermobia domestica (Thysanura : Lepismatidae) are composed of about 100 distinct units, each containing several cell types: one large secretory cell with an apical reservoir; 2 groups of envelope cells, an inner group of 2 superimposed cells, and an outer group of 4 cells arranged in a ring, and also 2 basal cells, called ciliary cells owing to their elongated processes, which look like the dendrite of a sensory cell. Each functional unit includes cuticular differentiations: a tubular bristle, fixed on a small tubercle; and a long “internal” ductule communicating basally with the reservoir of the glandular cell and opening distally at the tip of the bristle. A study of the modifications affecting the phallic glands during moulting, shows that the inner envelope cells deposit the cuticle that forms the ductule, the outer envelope cells elaborate the cuticule of the tubercle, while a temporary distal projection of only one of these cells ensures the formation of the bristle. In addition, a lengthening of the outer dendritic segment of the 2 ciliary cells takes place before ductule formation, but this segment partially degenerates after ecdysis. These findings are compared with data already obtained on the morphogenesis of other insect integumental glands. In T. domestica, the secretion of the phallic glands is presumed to be used, during the mating sequences, for spinning fine threads before spermatophore deposition.     

Sensory innervation monitoring movement and position in the mandibular stylets of the aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae

The sensory innervation of the mandibular stylets of the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) has been examined by electron microscopy. Two groups of sensory neurones are present in the mandible. Each has two neurones, one with a short dendrite extending into the base of the mandible and ending in the base and another with a long microtubular process which extends 500 m? down to the distal tip of the mandible. The two neurones are enclosed by an ensheathing cell comparable to the trichogen cell enveloping the group of neurones innervating pegs and hairs. This ensheathing cell is supported by extensive electron-dense filaments to form a scolopale and is embedded in the mass of stylet-forming cells at the base of the mandible. The inner segments of the dendrites are anchored to the ensheathing cell by desmosome junctions. Desmosome junctions also bind the microtubular outer segments of the short and long dendrite to each other. There is no evidence of a dendritic sheath enclosing the distal portion of the short dendrite which ends while still in the extracellular space within the ensheathing cell. The microtubular process of the long dendrite extends down the lumen of the mandible enclosed by a close-fitting extracellular sheath which penetrates and is attached to the cuticular wall of the mandible tip. Distally this sheath is thickened on one side. Deflection of the mandible would therefore deform the dendritic membrane asymmetrically because the thin walls of the sheath would bend more than the thick walls. This would exert an unequal mechanical strain on the dendritic membrane which could result in depolarization in response to deflection in a particular direction. The arrangement of the dendrites and their sheaths within the mandible is such that deflection to the right would distort one dendrite in the same way as deflection to the left would distort the other.     

Embryonic development and molting of the antennal coeloconic no pore- and double-walled wall pore sensilla in Locusta migratoria (Insecta,Orthopteroidea)

Summary The embryonic development of antennal coeloconic sensilla was studied at four stages between 132 and 252 h after oviposition in Locusta migratoria. Initially the anlagen of the sensilla consist of 2–4 sensory cells and 3 enveloping cells. Two additional cells contribute later to the formation of socket and pit. The dendritic outer segments of the sensory cells elongate before the trichogen process grows out (ecdysis type I) with exception of one sensory cell in anlagen of poreless (np) sensilla. Other differences between np and double-walled wall pore (dw wp) sensilla are not visible until at least about 220 h after oviposition. Molting, which was studied in four stages, follows ecdysis type I in both sensillum types. The fourth enveloping cell maintains its tight connection to the socket of the sensillum even after apolysis. Its apical portion is torn off and shed together with the old cuticle. The electron-dense material between the dendritic sheath and the cuticular wall of the peg in np sensilla, which is regarded important for stimulus transmission, is not deposited during retraction of the trichogen cell. The concentric walls and spoke channels characteristic of dw wp sensilla result from deposition of cuticular material around wedge-shaped projections of the trichogen cell. The typical trilaminar 15 nm cuticulin layer is produced only on the ridges of these sensilla. The first cuticular lining of the spoke channels is only 7 nm thick and of a different structure. A flocculent material surrounds the outgrowing trichogen process. It is continuous with the filling of the spoke channels and can thus be considered as component of the stimulus-transmitting material in the functioning intermolt dw wp sensilla.     

Sensory cell degeneration in the ontogeny of the chemosensitive sensilla in the labial palp-pit organ of the butterfly,Pieris rapae L. (Insecta,Lepidoptera)

Summary The ontogeny of the chemoreceptive sensilla in the labial palp-pit organ was studied in Pieris rapae by examining twelve successive stages between pupation and emergence of the imago, which takes a period of 160 h under the experimental conditions. Mitoses occur until 20 h after pupation. They lead to anlagen of sensilla, 91% of which are comprised of three sensory cells. However, two sensory cells degenerate in each sensillum during a period of 28 h. The same process occurs in anlagen with four sensory cells resulting in bicellular sensilla. Axons grow out only after the number of sensory cells has been reduced. Further consecutive steps in sensory cell differentiation are: (a) outgrowth of dendritic outer segment and dendrite sheath; (b) outgrowth of trichogen process and change in structure of elongating dendrite sheath; (c) deposition of cuticle and pore tubules in the pegs; (d) retraction of trichogen process; (e) increase in diameter of dendritic outer segment accompanied by increase of microtubule number and appearance of regularly spaced electron-dense bodies at tubular doublets; (f) branching of dendritic outer segment; and (g) transformation of the dendritic branches into curled lamellae and partial destruction of the dendrite sheath. The unique process of sensory cell degeneration is interpreted as an event that revokes a step towards a possible functional improvement of the labial palp-pit organ during further evolutionSupported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 4/G1)     

Ultrastructure of pheromone-detecting sensillum placodeum of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newmann (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

The pheromone-detecting sensilla placodea are significantly more numerous than other sensory structures in the antennae of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Their abundance in males is nearly twice of that in females, showing a clear sexual dimorphism. Externally, they have a tortoise shell-like round cuticular plate containing a few polygonal plates separated by narrow ridges. Internally, they house two long dendrites that branch and terminate near fine cuticular pores. They have a system of two bipolar neurons accompanied by three enveloping cells, resembling sensilla trichodea in moths. The conspicuous difference with the latter is that the sensillum-lymph cavity near the outer cuticle is funnel-shaped, into which the tormogen cell projects numerous microvilli whose tips approach the terminal branches of the dendrites.     

The multifunctional sensory complex in the antennae ofAllacma fusca (Insecta)

Summary The antennal-tip sensory complex inAllacma fusca (Collembola) was reconstructed from serial ultrathin sections. The complex contains 16 sensory cells which belong to three spatially separated subunits: (1) a sensory hair; (2) a cuticular protrusion, containing two highly-specialized dendritic outer segments from a single sensory cell encapsulated by an enveloping cell and a gland cell (Figs. 4 and 5); and (3) two sensory cells with partly lamellated, double dendritic outer segments located well away from the cuticular surface (Fig. 3). A phylogenetic evaluation reveals a mosaic of apparently primitive characters, and trends toward higher structural complexity as well as toward reduction (Table 1). There is support for a hypothesis that the receptors of the sensory hair are chemosensitive. The functional interpretation of the other components of the complex is problematic due to their unusual structural properties. The sensory cell beneath the cuticular protrusion is considered to be proprioceptive.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Al 56/6)     

Are the funnel-canal organs the ‘campaniform sensilla’ of the shore crab,Carcinus maenas (Decapoda,Crustacea)?

Summary The funnel-canal organs on the dactyls of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas, are innervated by 3–24 sensory cells with unbranched dendrites, which attain a length of 500–1400 m. The outer dendritic segments are enclosed in a dendritic sheath and pass through the cuticle within a canal. Two dendrite types can be distinguished according to ultrastructural criteria: Type I has a long ciliary segment, A-tubules with an osmiophilic core and arms, and a thick ciliary rootlet. Type II possesses only a short ciliary segment and a thin ciliary rootlet. Each funnel-canal organ contains two type-I dendrites. Their ciliary bases appear a few m distal to those of the type-II dendrites (1 to 22 in number). Two inner and two to eight outer enveloping cells belong to a sensillum. The innermost enveloping cell contains a large scolopale. In the second enveloping cell single scolopale rods are present. Thus, the funnel-canal organs are characterized by structural features typical for mechano-sensitive scolopidia, on the one hand, and for chemoreceptors, on the other. Therefore, the funnel-canal organs are very likely bimodal sensilla (contact chemoreceptors). A comparison with other arthropod sensilla shows that cuticular mechanoreceptors of aquatic crustaceans generally exhibit a scolopidial organization.     

Die digitiformen Sensillen auf dem Maxillarpalpus von Coleoptera

Summary The digitiform sensilla on the distal segment of the maxillar palps ofAgabus bipustulatus (L.) andHydrobius fuscipes (L.) were investigated by electron microscopic methods. Each sensillum is innervated by a single bipolar sensory cell. The sensilla ofHydrobius are associated with three enveloping cells, which enclose an inner and outer receptor lymph cavity. A single enveloping cell only is found in the completely differentiated sensilla ofAgabus. These sensilla do not form an outer lymph cavity. The area beneath the hair base is filled by the distal process of the enveloping cell and by extensions of epidermal cells. Only one extra-cellular space exists, which seems to be homologous to an inner receptor lymph cavity.The outer dendritic segment surrounded by a dendritic sheath runs to the tip of the hair shaft. In the hair shaft the outer dendritic segment divides into several branches. The poreless hair shaft does not rise over the surface of the cuticle, but it is positioned in a narrow shallow groove. Special socket structures or a tubular body do not exist. The digiti-form sensilla possess neither the typical feature of mechanosensitive, nor gustatory or olfactory sensilla. The functional significance of the structural divergences in the sensilla of both species and the presumed function of the sensilla are discussed referring to hygro- and thermo-receptors.

Unserem verehrten Lehrer, Herrn Prof. Dr. H.Risler, dem wir für vielfache Förderung danken möchten, zum 65. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Atlas of olfactory organs of Drosophila melanogaster 2. Internal organization and cellular architecture of olfactory sensilla

Antennae and maxillary palps of Drosophila melanogaster were studied with the electron microscope on serial sections of cryofixed specimens. The number of epidermal cells roughly equals the number of sensilla, except for regions where the latter are scarce or absent. Each epidermal cell forms about two non-innervated spinules, a prominent subcuticular space and a conspicuous basal labyrinth, suggesting a high rate of fluid transport through the sensory epithelium. The internal organization and fine structure of trichoid, intermediate and basiconic sensilla is very similar. Receptor cell somata are invested by thin glial sheaths extending distad to the inner dendritic segments. Further distally, the thecogen cell forms a sleeve around the dendrites, but an extracellular dendrite sheath is absent. At the base of the cuticular apparatus, the inner sensillum-lymph space around the ciliary and outer dendritic segments is confluent with the large outer sensillum-lymph space formed by the trichogen and tormogen cells. All three auxiliary cells exhibit many features of secretory and transport cells but extend only thin basal processes towards the haemolymph sinus. The bauplan and fine structure of coeloconic sensilla differs in the following aspects: (1) the ciliary segment of the dendrites is located deeper below the base of the cuticular apparatus than in the other sensillum types; (2) a prominent dendrite sheath is always present, separating inner and outer sensillum-lymph spaces completely; (3) the apical microlamellae of the auxiliary cells are more elaborate, but free sensillum-lymph spaces are almost absent; (4) there are always four not three auxiliary cells. Morphometric data are presented on the diameter of inner and outer dendritic segments and on the size of receptor cells, as well as of the receptor and auxiliary cell nuclei. The special fine structural features of Drosophila olfactory sensilla are discussed under the aspects of sensillar function and the localization of proteins relevant for stimulus transduction.     

Digitiform Sensilla on the Maxillar Palp of Coleoptera

The fine structure of the digitiform sensilla on the distal segment of the maxillar palps of Tenebrio and Dermestes is described. Each sensillum is associated with a single sensory cell and three enveloping cells, which enclose two receptor lymph cavities. The inner receptor lymph cavity of both species shows a different structural feature. Branches of the outer dendritic segments, which contain numerous microtubules, run to the tip of the hairshaft. A dendritic sheath extends to the apex of the peg. The hairshaft possesses a second canal, which is free of dendrites. The poreless hairshaft is inserted in a cuticular canal; the longer distal part of the shaft is positioned in a narrow superficial groove. The digitiform sensilla do not show the typical structures of mechanosensitive sensilla. The absence of pores in the setal wall does not point to a function as olfactory or gustatory hairs. The presumed function of the sensilla is discussed in relation to thermo-, hygro- and CO₂-receptors.