Antennal sensilla of Rhodnius

By scanning electron microscopy, sensilla type and distribution were studied on the antennae of ten species of Rhodnius. No sexual dimorphism was apparent. Intraspecific differences in sensillar pattern were shown to be potentially useful in species determination and to agree with results from biochemical studies and previous morphometric studies in terms of species affinities. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Antennal and ovipositor sensilla of Pseudoligosita yasumatsui (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Pseudoligosita yasumatsui Viggiani and Subba Rao 1978 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is a common egg parasitoid of rice insect pests. The surface morphology of the antenna and ovipositor on P. yasumatsui was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The antenna of P. yasumatsui is geniculate in shape, hinged at the scape-pedicel joint, approximately 190 μm in length and consists of seven antennomeres. In total, the male and female antennae have ten different types of sensilla: trichoid sensilla type 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, campaniform sensilla, basiconic sensilla, and placoid sensilla type 1 and 2. The flagellum of the female antenna is covered with cuticular pores, which are absent on the male antennal flagellum. The distal extremity of its ovipositor stylet has campaniform sensilla and styloconic sensilla. Trichoid sensilla found on its apical abdomen part may play a role in the host detection and egg placement. The types and distribution of antennal and ovipositor sensilla on the parasitoid were discussed.     

前裂长管茧蜂触角感器的扫描电镜观察

前裂长管茧蜂是许多实蝇类害虫幼虫-蛹期的重要寄生性天敌。通过扫描电镜对其触角感受器进行超微观察,结果发现,前裂长管茧蜂雌蜂触角共发现7种感受器,分别为鳞型感器、Bhm毛、毛型感器、腔型感器、栓锥型感器、钟型感器及板型感器。其中,毛型感器具有3种形态(毛型感器Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ),锥型感器具有2种形态(锥型感器Ⅰ、Ⅱ),但在雄蜂触角上没发现锥形感器Ⅱ。毛型感器和板型感器是前裂长管茧蜂触角上的主要感器,数量较多,分布较广。     

Antennal sensilla of the click beetle,Melanotus villosus (Geoffroy) (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

The typology, number and placement of antennal sensilla of the click beetle Melanotus villosus (Geoffroy) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) were studied using scanning electron microscopy. On both the males and females the antennae are made up of the scape, pedicel and nine flagellomeres. Two types of basiconic sensilla, three types of trichoid sensilla, one type of styloconic sensilla, one type of chetoid sensilla, dome-shaped sensilla, grooved pegs, and Böhm sensilla all appear on the antennae of the beetles of both sexes, with the exception of trichoid sensilla type II, whose large number (average of 1635 hairs per antenna) was found only in male beetles. Sensilla trichodea type II evidently respond to the sex pheromone produced by the female beetle. Unlike the other two click beetles, studied up till now, Agriotes obscurus and Limonius aeruginosus, the trichoid and basiconic sensilla of M. villosus, whose proven or assumed function is olfactory, are located predominantly on the flagellomeres ventral extensions. It is assumed that the placement of the olfactory sensilla, mainly on the ventral side of M. villosuss antennae, and their more or less even distribution on the flagellomeres, can be seen as morphological adaptation of this species of insect, whose specific behavioural reaction of olfactory searching is flying, both before and after contact with an odour plume.     

Production,population biology and diet ofNeomysis integer (Leach) in a shallow Frisian lake (The Netherlands)

TheNeomysis integer population of a shallow Frisian freshwater lake, situated in the north of the Netherlands, was studied from May until October 1980. The results were compared with observations on populations in other Frisian lakes, and with the results reported by other authors on brackish-water and marine populations of this species.Three generations were observed: one overwintering generation and two summer generations. Reproduction stopped completely during winter. During 1980 population densities ofN. integer were relatively low in all Frisian lakes. In Slotermeer the maximum population density was only 6 individuals m^–2, production amounted to 10 mg dry wt m^–2 yr^–1. The annual P/B ratio was 4.0. The diet ofN. integer consisted, in terms of biomass, of more than 95% detritus and animal food, the latter mainly consisting ofBosmina and cyclopoid copepods. Feeding intensity reached a maximum at sunset. It was still high during first part of the night and was low in the morning just after sunrise.     

Antennal sensilla of the ground beetle Bembidion lampros Hbst (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Antennal sensilla typology, number and distribution pattern were studied in the ground beetle Bembidion lampros Hbst (Coleoptera, Carabidae) using scanning electron microscopy. The 1.6–1.8 mm long filiform antennae of both sexes consist of the scape, pedicel and of the flagellum composed of nine flagellomeres. In both sexes, three types of sensilla chaetica, two types of sensilla trichodea, five types of sensilla basiconica, one type of sensilla coeloconica, one type of sensilla campaniformia and Böhm sensilla were distinguished. The possible function of the sensilla was discussed and three types of sensilla were considered as olfactory, sensilla trichodea type 2 and sensilla basiconica types 1 and 2. Olfactory sensilla occupy dorsal and/or ventral areas of the flagellomeres and occur sparsely (sensilla basiconica type 1) or not at all (sensilla basiconica type 2 and sensilla trichodea type 2) outside these areas. No remarkable sexual differences in the types, numbers and distribution of antennal sensilla were found.     

Antennal sensilla on cave species of Australian Paratemnopteryx cockroaches (Blattaria : Blattellidae)

The external morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla of cave-dwelling Australian cockroaches, Paratemnopteryx stonei (Races B and C), P. howarthi and P. sp. nov. (Blattaria : Blattellidae), are described using scanning electron microscopy. Eight major types of sensilla were found. Long and medium-length sensilla chaetica are deeply grooved mechano and contact chemo-receptors with a terminal pore; the long type forms 5–11% and the medium-length 7–22% of all sensilla. Sensilla trichodea type 1 are very slender, non-porous, and form 43–60% of all sensilla. Sensilla trichodea type 2 are stouter, shorter and have wall pores; they form 5–14% of the sensilla. Sensilla basiconica type B are very short, non-porous, inflexible-socket receptors that are known to be hygro- and thermo-receptors; they comprise less than 0.6% of the sensilla. Sensilla basiconica type Gl are short, grooved and have a terminal pore; they form 5–11% of all sensilla. Type G2 are longer with indications of a terminal pore and form 7–10% of the sensilla. Sensilla basiconica type P are short with wall pores, and they form 3–9% of the sensilla. Total sensillar numbers ranged from 5700–8900 for P. stonei, depending on the race and sex, 6950–9950 for P. sp. nov. and 11,700-15,100 for the smaller and possibly more epigean-related P. howarthi. Females had 700–3150 fewer sensilla than males. Comparisons are made between Paratemnopteryx and common epigean cockroaches in relation to sensillar types and numbers.     

Antennal sensilla of the click beetle,limonius aeruginosus (OLIVIER) (COLEOPTERA: ELATERIDAE)

Antennal sensilla typology, number and distribution of the click beetle Limonius aeruginosus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The serrate antennae of both sexes of L. aeruginosus consist of the scape, pedicel and of the flagellum which is composed of 9 flagellomeres. In both sexes, 5 types of sensilla basiconica, 1 type of sensilla trichodea, 1 type of sensilla chaetica, 1 type of sensilla campaniformia and Böhm sensilla were distinguished. No remarkable sexual differences in the types, numbers and distribution of sensilla were found on the antennae, except for the sensilla basiconica type II. The average number of sensilla basiconica type II on the antennae of the male beetle surpassed that on the antennae of the female beetle (3562 and 108 pegs, respectively). It is suggested that this type of sensilla on the male beetles antennae is responsible for the reception of the sex pheromone produced by the female beetle.     

青杨脊虎天牛触角感器的分布特征及特殊的感器类型

利用扫描电镜观察青杨脊虎天牛Xylotrechus rusticusL.触角感器的类型和分布,在青杨脊虎天牛触角上共9种感器类型为首次描述:锥形感器Ⅲ、Ⅴ、Ⅶ、Ⅷ,刺形感器Ⅱ、Ⅲ,剑形感器Ⅱ,齿形感器和具壁孔的刺形感器。此外,还有3种特化的感器。根据样方内感器密度的统计结果,在青杨脊虎天牛触角上分布较多的前3种感器依次是:锥形感器Ⅰ和刺形感器Ⅳ、Ⅱ,占总感器数量的95%以上。根据感器的分布、形态特征结合已有的文献描述,分析各感器可能具有的功能。雌雄成虫触角的性二型现象表现在:(1)长度不同,雄虫触角平均较雌虫长0.7mm;(2)同一类型的感器在雌雄触角上的分布模式不同;(3)同一类型感器的数量在雌、雄触角上的分布存在差异;(4)同一类型感器的形态在雌、雄间存在差异。     

Antennal sensilla of the adult alfalfa weevil,Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera : Curculionidae)

Sensilla on the antennae of adult alfalfa weevils, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal),were studied with scanning and transmission electron microscopes to determine the sensilla structure and possible chemo- and mechanoreceptive functions for food detection.Five types of sensilla trichodea (s.t.) occur (length 35 – 135 μm); s.t. I (71 – 135-μm long)are thick-walled without radial pores and s.t. II (50 – 75-μm long), the most abundant s.t., are multiporous. Bifurcated and trifurcated types (75 –85 -μm long) also occur. Five types of sensilla basiconica (s.b.) are present and include s.b. I (26 – 50-μm long), a fluted uniporous type with a rugose surface and encircling ledges; s.b. II (15 – 35-gm long), a common multiporous type with many longitudinal grooves; and s.b. IV (4 – 7-μm long), which are 3 apical, short pegs. Sensilla styloconica occur in a small band among the s.b. type II. One or 2 epidermal gland ducts are adjacent to most s.t. and some s.b.     

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.     

Antennal olfactory sensilla of the parasitoid fly,Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata Walker (Diptera : Tachinidae)

The antennal sensilla of male and female Pseudoperichaeta nigrolineata Walker (Diptera: Tachinidae) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Five types of sensilla were identified on the funicle. The trichoid sensilla are most conspicuous, with a characteristic distal curvature and wall pores. Basiconic types I and II sensilla show a small peg with a pitted surface. Basiconic type III sensilla can be distinguished from the preceding ones by the swelling of the distal region of the peg. The function of these sensilla is likely to be olfactory. Coeloconic sensilla consist of a short grooved peg sunk in a socket. The number and distribution of the sensilla of each type are described. Female antennae bear more basiconic sensilla than those of males. These results are compared with previously published studies on other muscoid species.     

小峰熊蜂工蜂触角感器的扫描电镜观察

利用扫描电镜对小峰熊蜂Bombus hypocrita的触角形态和感器进行了观察。结果表明:小峰熊蜂触角呈膝状,由柄节、梗节和鞭节组成。工蜂的柄节约为触角全长的三分之一,其长度约为(2099.40±112.26)μm,梗节呈方圆形,最短,长度为(212.86±12.51)μm。鞭节全长为(3861.43±137.86)μm,共由10节组成。触角上广布11种类型的感受器,即板形感器、坛形感器、钟形感器、锥形感器、腔锥形感器、毛形感器、刺形感器、芽形感器、端指形感器、缘感器和刚毛,不同感器在触角上的分布部位不同。其中,芽形感器和端指形感器在膜翅目昆虫中属首次发现。     

Antennal sensilla of male and female Telenomus reynoldsi gordh and coker (Hymenoptera : Scelionidae)

Sensilla on the antennae of both sexes of Telenomus reynoldsi (Hymenoptera : Scelionidae) were studied with the scanning electron microscope to determine their structure and possible function in mating and host recognition. Two types of setiform sensilla occur: curved, grooved sensilla trichodea and erect, stout sensilla chaetica. Horn-like sensilla trichodea curvata are abundant on the male antennae, but are less abundant and only present dorsally on the female. Sensilla basiconica are unique to the ventral surface of the apical 4 segments of the female antennae. Sensilla styloconica are located on A4 and A10 of the female and A7 and A9 of the male. Multiporous grooved sensilla are present on A4, A6, and A11 of the female and A4 and A6-A11 of the male. A possible sex gland is located on the venter of A5 of the male. The functions of sensilla trichodea curvata and sensilla basiconica in courtship and host recognition, respectively, are hypothesized by correlation with behavioral observations.     

Antennal sensilla of triatominae (Hemiptera,Reduviidae): A comparative study of five genera

The paper analyses the antennal sensilla pattern of 22 species of triatomine bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae). The pedicels of species from tribe Rhodniini differ from species of Cavernicolini and Triatomini, mainly by the absence of trichoid and basiconic sensilla and by a greater number of Bristles I. Fifth-instar nymphs of T. sordida and R. pictipes show several differences in sensilla patterns compared with their respective adults. They lack basiconic sensilla and thin-and thick-walled trichoid sensilla over the first flagellar segment and over the proximal half of the second flagellar segment. T. sordida nymphs also lack these sensilla on the pedicel. There appears to be a significant sexual dimorphism in relation to trichoid sensilla in T. sordida, but not in R. pictipes. There exists a remarkable correlation between the density of basiconic and trichoid sensilla on the pedicels of different species, and a crude estimation of habitat range assessed as number of habitat types reported for each species.     

Antennal sensilla of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in relation to food preferences and habits

The external structure, i.e. number and distribution of sensillae on male and female antennae of 12 species of grasshoppers belonging to Pamphaginae, Catantopinae, Oedipodinae and Gomphocerinae in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Five major types of antennal sensillae were detected - trichoid, long basiconic, short basiconic, slender and short basiconic, and coeloconic sensillae. Total number of antennal sensillae varied among different sexes, subfamilies, feeding groups, life forms and eco-forms. Males showed significantly more sensillae than females, due to presence of more short basiconic and coeloconic sensillae. Species under Catantopinae showed more long basiconic sensillae than the others. The Oedipodinae had the highest number of slender and short basiconic sensillae and coeloconic sensillae, followed by Catantopinae and Gomphocerinae; while Pamphaginae had the fewest. The total number of sensillae showed the same trend for these two types amongst the subfamilies as well, species which prefer habits on the ground possessed fewer antennal sensillae than species which prefer to stay on plants. The maximal number of antennal sensillae were observed in hygrophytous species,Chorthippus albomarginatus, in the 12 grasshopper species investigated, although the data is not statistically significant. The general trend which emerged was that species feeding on grass possessed more antennal sensillae, particularly coeloconic sensillae, compared to other feeding group species.     

Antennal sensilla of male Lophocorona pediasia Common 1973 and their phylogenetic implications (Lepidoptera: Lophocoronidae)

The male antennae of Lophocorona pediasia reveal seven types of sensilla: multiporous sensilla trichodea, multiporous sensilla basiconica of subtypes 1 and 2, multiporous sensilla auricillica, aporous sensilla styloconica, multiporous sensilla coeloconica and aporous Böhm’s sensilla. All these sensillum types are present in the higher Lepidoptera. The existence of sensilla auricillica, hitherto denied by several authors, is demonstrated in this study. Typically, they are located on the distal edge of the flagellomeres as in most Lepidoptera. Therefore, their so-called absence must no longer be regarded as an autapomorphy of the Lophocoronidae. Their presence is a common characteristic of all «Dacnonypha», which include, apart from the Lophocoronidae, the Eriocraniidae and the Acanthopteroctetidae. Their number in L. pediasia is smaller than in these two families and more in accordance with the condition found in higher Lepidoptera, suggesting a more advanced position of the Lophocoronidae. The presence of very numerous sensilla basiconica is a possible autapomorphy of the family.     

Antennal sensilla of Magicicada cassini (fisher) (Homoptera : Cicadidae): Fine structure and electrophysiological evidence for olfaction

The antennae of Magicicada cassini (Homoptera : Cicadidae) (3–4 mm long) look similar in both sexes and consist of scape, pedicel, and a 5-segmented flagellum. The length of flagellar segment 1 varies independently in relation to head size and is slightly longer in females (0.96 mm) than in males (0.89 mm). The ventral side of flagellar segment 1 is covered with sensilla coeloconica comprising about 60 large, 10 medium-sized, and 35 small sensilla with pit diameters of 8–24, 6–10, and 2 μm, respectively. The large and the medium-sized sensilla coeloconica are multiporous single-walled sensilla with pore tubules, containing branched entangled dendrites from 3 receptor cells. The small sensilla coeloconica, situated primarily at the outer border of the sensillum field, are no-pore sensilla with inflexible sockets. They contain 2 unbranched dendrites extending to the tip of the peg, and 1 dendrite reaching to its base and wrapping around the other 2 dendrites. Small sensilla campaniformia (cap diameter 3 μm) are aligned at the outer border of the sensillum field and continue all along the flagellum. Up to 3 olfactory receptor cells were distinguished on the basis of their nerve impulse amplitudes through extracellular electrophysiological recordings from sensilla coeloconica, presumably large ones. They respond to stimulation by cyclic terpenoids with different but highly overlapping reaction spectra, and react selectively to structural variations of the molecules. No responses to CO₂, temperature or moisture were recorded.