Antennal sense organs of the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae

Adult and nymphal antennae of the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae, contain nine or more different morphological types of sense organs. There is no outwardly apparent sexual dimorphism in adult antennae. Nymphs are dificient in gross numbers of sensilla. Sense organs are classified morphologically by their similarity to known types of sensila and are assigned functions on this basis and preliminary electrophysiological data: Sensilla chaetica (A), thick-walled mechanoreceptive hairs in groups on the antennal base; S. chaetica (B), thick-walled setae which are tactile and probably chemoreceptive, occurring in the antennal base and flagellum; S. trichodea (A), thin-walled chemoreceptive hairs of the flagellum; S. trichodea (B), minute hairs on the scape and pedicel; S. basiconica, thin-walled chemoreceptive pegs, and S. coeloconica (?pit-pegs”?) of the flagellum; S. campaniformia and scolopidia, mechanoreceptors in the base and flagellum; plus Johnston's organ and/or connective chrodotonal organs in the pedicel. Calculations based on absolute counts of sensilla and their known innervation yield an estimate of about 3.3 × 10⁴ sensilla and 10⁵ cells per antenna.     

Antennal sensilla of female Trichogramma nubilale (Ertle and Davis) (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae) and comparisons with other parasitic Hymenoptera

We describe the external morphology and relative positions of antennal sensilla of female Trichgramma nubilale (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compared the results with 11 similar studies representing 15 species and 8 families within the parasitic Hymenoptera. There are 6 morphologically and structurally distinct structures on female T. nubilale antennae, which are probably sensilla, and one seta and one campaniform-like structure that may have a sensory function. Sensilla pore numbers and positions suggests that the multiporous grooved basiconica (MPG) C, multiporous pitted (MPP) trichodea A and the MPP placodea A have an olfactory function, whereas the MPP trichodea C have a gustatory function. The lack of pores and the presence of a basal socket suggests a mechanoreceptor function for aporous (AP) trichodea B, and the uniporous pitted (UPP) trichodea D, although, the latter also have a minute pore or dimple at the sensillar apex. Positions and numbers of these sensilla, setae and campaniform-like structures were consistent in all the specimens examined. These analyses suggest that antennal sensilla types and relative positions are highly conserved within the genus Trichogramma, and there are broad similarities within the parasitic Hymenoptera.     

Zahl und Verteilung antennaler Sensillen bei der Honigbiene (Apis mellifera L.)

Zusammenfassung An Totalpräparaten der Antennengeißel von Arbeiterin und Drohne vonApis mellifera carnica wurden Zahl und Verteilung aller Sensillen und Setae ermittelt. Dabei ließen sich anhand des cuticularen Baues folgende Sensillentypen unterscheiden: S. placodeum, S. ampullaceum, S. coeloconicum, S. campaniforme und 5 Haarsensillen S. trichodeum A, B1, B2, C, D, sowie 4 Setatypen (A 1–3, B), die wahrscheinlich nicht innerviert sind. Die Benennungen der Sensillen wurde den bisher gebrauchten Bezeichnungen gegenübergestellt. Sensillenzahl und -Verteilung, Sinneszellzahl und Funktion der Sensillen wurden anhand von Literaturangaben zusammengestellt und diskutiert. Bemerkenswert ist der starke Dimorphismus zwischen Arbeiterin und Drohne in der relativen Sensillenzahl für die einzelnen Sensillentypen und in der Gesamtzahl der Sinneszellen. So sind bei der Arbeiterin die wahrscheinlich olfaktorischen S. trichodea A und die mechanorezeptorischen S. trichodea B 1 wesentlich stärker vertreten. Die Drohne hat keine S. basiconica und im übrigen wesentlich mehr S. placodea als die Arbeiterin. Insgesamt hat die Drohne eine ca. 2-fach größere Geißeloberfläche und etwa 5-mal soviele Sinneszellen wie die Arbeiterin. Die Arbeiterinnengeißel hat auf ihrer Rückseite eine porenplattenfreie Zone, die dicht mit nichtinnervierten Setae besetzt ist. Bei der Drohne findet man stattdessen eine porenplattenärmere Zone mit einer geringeren Zahl von Setae. Charakteristische Verteilungsmuster bestehen auch für alle anderen Sensillen und Setae.

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Number and distribution of the sensilla on the antennal flagellum of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

Summary Number and distribution of sensilla and setae on the antennal flagellum of the honeybeeApis mellifera carnica were determined on whole antennal preparations. The following types of sensilla were distinguished according to their cuticular structure: Sensillum placodeum, S. ampullaceum, S. coeloconicum, S. basiconicum, S. campaniforme and 5 hair sensilla S.trichodeum A, B1, B2, C, D, as well as 4 types of probably non-innervated setae (A1–3, B). The names used here for the different types were compared with the previously used terms. Number and distribution of sensilla, the number of sensory cells and the function of the sensilla were discussed with respect to the data available from the literature. There is a notable dimorphism between the worker and drone with respect to the relative number of sensilla of each type and to the total number of sensory cells. The worker has far more of the presumably olfactory S. trichodea A and of the mechanoreceptive S. trichodea B1. The drone lacks the S. basiconica and has far more S. placodea than the worker. The flagellum surfarce of the drone is twice as large as that of the worker and has 5 times as many sensory cells. The worker flagellum has a poreplate-free zone on the side facing the head which is densely packed with non-innervated setae. In the corresponding zone the drone has a lower density of poreplates than elsewhere on its antennal flagellum. All other sensilla and setae are also characteristically distributed.

     

Fine structure and primary sensory projections of sensilla on the maxillary palp of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera : Drosophilidae)

Three types of hairs were identified on the maxillary palp of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera : Drosophilidae): (i) single-walled, multiporous sensilla basiconica, which constitute 75% of the innervated hairs; (ii) thick walled non-porous sensilla trichodea, which make up the remaining 25% of the innervated hairs; and (iii) numerous spinules, which are un-innervated. These sensilla basiconica uniformly contain 2 bipolar sense cells, whereas sensilla trichodea have a single dendrite with a tubular body at the base of each hair. A majority of the sensilla basiconica is located on the distal half of the dorsal surface, whereas sensilla trichodea are positioned on the tip and entire ventrolateral ridge of the palp. Approximately 125 axons of the sense cells join to form a single nerve. The structure of sensilla basiconica and sensilla trichodea suggests that they are olfactory and mechanosensory respectively. The contact chemoreceptors (gustatory sensilla) are conspicuously absent on the maxillary palp.Golgi silver impregnations and cobalt fills show that the primary sensory fibres from sensilla trichodea and sensilla basiconica on the maxillary palp project in the posterior suboesophageal ganglion (SOG) and the antennal lobe respectively. A single fibre projects separately either in the SOG or in the antennal lobe. In the antennal lobe, the input received from sensilla basiconica is usually bilateral and at least 5 glomeruli are innervated symmetrically on either side from both the palps.This study suggests that the sensory neurons are capable of making selective projections in the specific regions of the brain. Accordingly, the fibres from a sensillum project to the brain with respect to their functions and the individual glomeruli represent functional units of the brain, receiving inputs in a characteristic combination.     

Olfactory sensilla on the antennae of the pine weevil,Hylobius abietis

Summary Olfactory sensilla on the antennal club of the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis, have been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Two main types, sensilla basiconica and sensilla trichodea, have been classified. The former are found in two variants, one containing one sensory cell and the other two. Sensilla trichodea have one sensory cell. The two sensillum types are localized in different fields of the club. The numerous sensilla basiconica are confined exclusively to the two constriction bands. Sensilla trichodea, fewer in number, are mainly restricted to the distal part where they also form a third ring. In addition, they are found immediately distal to the two construction bands. The fine structure of the two types suggests an olfactory function which could be proven by electrophysiological studies. The other hairs on the club are shown to belong to mechano- and taste sensilla and uninnervated setae.I am grateful to the Norwegian Research Council for Science and Humanities NAVF and the Norwegian Forest Research Institute for financial support; to Professor D. Schneider for providing laboratory facilities at Seewiesen; to him and his colleagues, particularly Dr. R.A. Steinbrecht, for helpful discussions and to Miss Barbara Müller for electron microscopy assistance. I also wish to thank Dr. T. Braathen and his staff for help with scanning electron microscopy facilities at the University of Oslo.     

Sensilla on the antennal flagellum of the sawyer beetles Monochamus notatus (Drury) and Monochamus scutellatus (Say) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

The antennae of the sawyer beetles Monochamus notatus and M. scutellatus were examined with the light and scanning electron microscopes to determine the types, number, distribution and innervation of the sense organs. Nine types of sensilla are described. Both short, thin-walled pegs (sensilla basiconica) and reversely curved thick-walled hairs (sensilla trichodea) are chemoreceptors. There are three types of long, thick-walled hairs (sensilla chaetica) which may be mechanoreceptors. One of these is modified in males to form unique snail-shaped pegs. A few dome-shaped organs, probably campaniform sensilla, were found. In addition to sense organs, many glands occur in association with the sensilla, and the antennae are well supplied with dermal glands connected by canals to small pores on the surface.     

Odorant response of individual sensilla on theDrosophila antenna

We have documented odor responses of all morphological classes of sensilla on the surface of theDrosophila antenna: sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea, and sensilla coeloconica. Both subtypes of s. basiconica, large and small, respond to odors. S. trichodea fall into different functional types. Type 1 appears narrowly tuned, as it responded only tocis-vaccenyl acetate, believed to be a pheromone. Type 2 responded totrans-2-hexenal and 4-methyl cyclohexanol. These two types of s. trichodea are differentially distributed on the antennal surface, and have dramatically different frequencies of spontaneous action potentials. Likewise, there are multiple types of s. coeloconica. One type is broadly tuned, responding most strongly to a test stimulus of butyric acid, but also to a variety of other odors; it is restricted to the dorso-medial portion of the third antennal segment. A second type gave detectable responses only totrans-2-hexenal. These results demonstrate that all classes of sensilla are olfactory, and they reveal the organizational complexity of theDrosophila olfactory system.     

Flagellar Sensilla of Sphecodes Bees (Hymenoptera, Halictidae)

The antenna of Sphecodes bees were investigated as regards the type and distribution of the sensilla. Eleven species originating from Sweden were used. Totally 325 specimens were studied. The distribution of sensilla placodea and sensilla trichodea on the antennal segments were studied in the light stereomicroscope. One to three antennae per species were also examined by SEM. The following types of sensilla were found: s. placodea; pit organs; s. campaniformia; s. basiconica; s. trichodea A, B and CD; and setae. The distribution of sensilla, especially s. placodea and s. trichodea A, was found to be species-specific in the male sex and their diagnostic value in taxonomy is stressed. In the female sex no specific characteristics were found, although two groups could be distinguished.     

Atlas of olfactory organs of Drosophila melanogaster: 1. Types,external organization,innervation and distribution of olfactory sensilla

The third antennal segment (funiculus) and the maxillary palp are the main and accessory olfactory sense organs of Drosophila melanogaster. Cryofixed antennae and palps revealed a superior preservation of the sensory dendrites and other cellular details as compared to conventional chemical fixation. Extensive cross-section series through funiculus and palp were studied in order to obtain as complete an evaluation as possible of the sensillar complement on these appendages. About 75% of all sensilla on the male and female funiculus were individually studied and their position on the antennal surface mapped. Dimensions of the cuticular apparatus of the various types of sensilla are provided as well as the number of innervating receptor neurons. Particular attention has been paid to the cuticular pores important for stimulus transport and to the sensory dendrites. On the funiculus surface, all sensilla have multiple wall pores: sensilla (s.) trichodea and s. basiconica are single-walled, s. coeloconica are double-walled. The distribution of s. trichodea and s. basiconica follows opposing gradients along a diagonal axis parallel to the axis of the arista from proximo-medial to disto-lateral. In this disto-lateral direction the density of s. trichodea increases while that of the s. basiconica decreases. S. trichodea occur in three subtypes with one, two or three receptor neurons. Basiconic sensilla can be subdivided into three subtypes of large s. basiconica (with two or four receptor neurons), three subtypes of thin s. basiconica (with mostly two, rarely four neurons), and one subtype of small s. basiconica with two receptor neurons. Large s. basiconica occur only in the most proximal region (the ‘LB-zone’); thin s. basiconica are most common in a belt that borders the LB-zone distally, while small s. basiconica are most numerous even further distally along the mentioned diagonal axis in between the s. trichodea. S. intermedia are single-walled, multiporous sensilla which combine features of s. trichodea and s. basiconica; they are found in two subtypes with two or three receptor neurons, in the same region where s. trichodea abound. The s. coeloconica are irregularly distributed over the funicular surface, and occur in two subtypes with two or three receptor neurons. Sexual dimorphism on the antenna is moderate, the female funiculus is a bit longer and carries a larger number of small s. basiconica and large s. basiconica of the LB-I subtype; the male funiculus, however, has more s. trichodea than the female. On the maxillary palp, besides mechanoreceptive s. chaetica, there are only s. basiconica with two receptor neurons. According to the fine structure of their sensory dendrites, three subtypes can be discriminated which are distributed in a random pattern. The functional significance of the described structures and distribution awaits future immunocytochemical and electrophysiological experiments.     

Morphology,distribution, and ultrastructural differences of sensilla trichodea and basiconica on the antennae of the oriental fruit moth,Grapholitha molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae)

Three types of sensilla trichodea and 2 types of the shorter sensilla basiconica were identified on the antennae of Grapholitha molesta (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae). All possess a non-flexible base and cuticular pores. The 3 types of s. trichodea (A, B, and C) have similar dimensions and surface sculpturing, but differ in their ultrastructure and in being located in either the scale-covered or scale-free regions of the antennae. The 2 types of, s. basiconica (I and II) differ from one another in length, surface sculpturing, and location. Ultrastructural differences in wall thickness, number of neurons, number of dendrites and their branches and in the electron density of dendrites between the 3 types of s. trichodea and s. basiconica type I are described.All s. trichodea in the scaled region and 5 – 6% of those in the scale-free region were type A, while types B and C occurred only in the scale-free regions. Males had a significantly greater number of s. trichodea than females (P < 0.001). The increased number occurred mainly in the scale-covered regions of the antennae, where males had 2200 more s. trichodea (all of type A) than females. In the scale-free region however, males only had 700 more s. trichodea (mainly types B and C) than females. Type A s. trichodea in the scale-covered region of the flagella of male G. molesta is a most likely sensilla for tests to confirm its role in the perception of female produced pheromone.     

Morphology and distribution of sensilia on the cephalic appendages,tarsi and ovipositor of the European sunflower moth,Homoeosoma nebulella Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae)

Sensilla on male and female antennae, mouthparts, tarsi and on the ovipositor of the European sunflower moth, Homoeosoma nebulella (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscope. The antennal flagellum bears multiporous sensilla (trichodea, basiconica, auricillica, coeloconica) and uniporous sensilla (chaetica, styloconica). A sexual dimorphism is found in the numbers of sensilla trichodea (8300 in males and 6000 in females) and sensilla basiconica (1150 in females and 650 in males). The proboscis has uniporous s. styloconica, multiporous s. basiconica (described for the first time in Lepidoptera), aporous s. chaetica, and some rare uniporous s. basiconica in the food channel. The labial palp-pit organ houses multiporous s. coeloconica, while the maxillary palps have aporous sensilla. Tarsi of both sexes possess one type of aporous s. chaetica and 2 types of uniporous s. chaetica. There is no significant difference in the distribution of tarsal sensilla between males and females. The surface of each lobe of the ovipositor is covered by 3 types of aporous s. trichodea of different lengths and about 60 multiporous s. basiconica, sensilla unusual on the ovipositor of Lepidoptera. The role of sensilla in the oviposition site selection is discussed.     

Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of the Antennal Sensilla of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monema flavescens</Emphasis> Walker (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

Monema flavescens Walker (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) is a serious polyphagous defoliator. Using scanning electron microscopy, the external morphology of the antennal sensilla of this pest was examined for a better understanding of the mechanisms of insect-insect and insect-plant chemical communications. The antennae of M. flavescens were filiform in shape, and 11 morphological types of sensilla were found in both sexes. Six types of likely chemosensory sensilla were identified: uniporous sensilla chaetica, multiporous sensilla trichodea, and four types of multiporous sensilla basiconica. The sensilla identified as likely mechanoreceptors included two subtypes of aporous sensilla chaetica, aporous sensilla coeloconica, aporous sensilla styloconica, and Böhm’s bristles, whereas the position of the antennae was monitored by Böhm’s bristles.     

Proboscis sensilla in Vanessa cardui (Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera): functional morphology and significance in flower-probing

 Morphology and distribution of the proboscis sensilla in Vanessa cardui have been investigated in order to contribute to the understanding of flower-probing behaviour in butterflies. The proboscis has a bend region approximately one-third of the length from the base. A short tip region is characterized by rows of intake slits leading into the food canal. Along the dorsal, lateral and ventral sides of the proboscis, sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica and sensilla styloconica are distributed in varying patterns depending on their distance from the b ase. The medial food canal bears one longitudinal row of sensilla basiconica only. The bristle-shaped sensilla trichodea are longer in the proximal region of the proboscis and become gradually shorter towards the tip. They are most frequent in number near to the bend region and near the beginning of the tip region. Sensilla basiconica arranged in longitudinal rows increase in number the more distal they are on the proboscis. The tip region is characterized by rows of sensilla styloconica on the dorsal side whereas the sensilla trichodea are mostly restricted to the ventral side. The ultrastructure suggests that the aporous sensilla trichodea function as mechanosensilla while the uniporous sensilla basiconica act as contact chemosensilla. The sensilla styloconica are regarded as bimodal contact chemo/mechanosensilla since their sensory cones are equipped with a single terminal pore and a tubular body at the base. The mouthpart sensilla appear to provide tactile cues on the positioning of the proboscis and on the degree of its insertion into a floral tube. Furthermore, they receive chemical stimuli on the availability of nectar and on the immersion status of the food canal. Accepted: 12 September 1997     

Functional anatomy of sensory structures on the antennae of Psylliodes chrysocephala L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The ultrastructure and distribution of sensilla on the antennae of the cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala, were investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Eight different sensillar types were distinguished. These were; hair plate sensilla, sensilla chaetica, three types of sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, grooved peg sensilla and styloconic sensilla. The sensilla chaetica are known to be gustatory receptors. Ultrastructure indicates that the hair plate sensilla and sensilla trichodea type one are probably mechanoreceptors, whilst the sensilla styloconica are probably thermo-hygro receptors. These thermo-hygroreceptors are unusual in that they are innervated by two sensory cells (one hygroreceptor and one thermoreceptor) rather than the more usual triad. The remaining four sensillar types all have a porous hair shaft, indicating an olfactory role. One of these (the grooved peg sensillum) may also have a thermoreceptive function. No sexual dimorphism was found in the structure, number or distribution of the antennal sensilla.     

Sensilla on the third antennal segment of Drosophila melanogaster meigen (Diptera : Drosophilidae)

The distribution and morphology of the sensilla on the 3rd antennal segment of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera : Drosophilidae) were studied with light and electron microscopy. Four types of hairs were identified. Three types of hairs innervated by dendrites are sensilla basiconica, sensilla coeloconica and sensilla trichodea. They occur amongst a large number of the 4th type of uninnervated hairs or spinules.Sensilla basiconica and coeloconica can be easily identified by light microscopy on staining with 0.1016 silver nitrate in 70% ethanol. The tips of sensilla basiconica and coeloconica appear dark brown. Most of the sensilla trichodea and spinules remain unstained.Sensilla basiconica conform to the single-walled, multiporous sensilla, having poretubules and branched dendrites. Sensilla coeloconica are double-walled and have longitudinal channels near the tip. No wall pores are found on sensilla trichodea. Dendrites do not branch in sensilla coelonica and trichodea. A mechanosensory dendrite with characteristic tubular body is absent in these sensilla.Populations of sensilla basiconica and sensilla trichodea occur in diametrically opposite, distinct regions on the 3rd antennal segment-the former in the dorsomedial and the latter in the ventrolateral regions, whereas sensilla coeloconica are distributed on most of the anterior and posterior surfaces, including the cavity walls of the sacculus.The axons are arranged in distinct groups in the antennal nerves at the stalk of the 3rd segment. This grouping becomes more pronounced in the nerve prior to its entry into the brain.     

Ultrastructure of sensory receptors on the antennae of Scolytus multistriatus (Marsh.)

Summary The antennae of Scolytus multistriatus were examined with light and scanning and transmitting-electron microscopy to determine the distributions, types and structures of sense organs. Four types of sensilla were found: (1) sensilla chaetica, a singly-innervated receptor; (2) sensilla basiconica, Type A, a short, thin-walled, multiple-innervated receptor; (3) sensilla basiconica, Type B, a long, thin-walled multiple-innervated receptor; and (4) sensilla trichodea, short, thick-walled, multiple-innervated receptors. The positioning of dendrite(s) with regard to pore tubules is elaborated. Evidence for lack of sensory axon fusion is presented.Approved for publication by the Director of the Research Division, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. This research was supported in part by a research grant (GB-8756) from the National Science Foundation, and by funds from the Elm Research Institute. The authors wish to thank Dr. G. A. deZoeten and Mr. G. A. Gaard for their assistance and encouragement.     

Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in the pine wood nematode insect vectors Monochamus alternatus Hope and Monochamus saltuarius Gebler (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

As insect vectors of pine wood nematodes, Monochamus alternatus Hope and Monochamus saltuarius Gebler have different levels of attractiveness to semiochemicals. Although active use of chemical communication in both species is well known, there was no report on the differences in morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla between the two Monochamus species. The present study was carried out to explore the morphology, distribution, and ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of the two species using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The overall shapes of the antennae were not different between M. alternatus and M. saltuarius. However, both M. alternatus and M. saltuarius exhibited sexual dimorphism overall. The antennae of each species were composed of the scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres, with four morphological types of sensilla: trichodea, basiconica, chaetica, and coeloconica. The four types occurred in varying numbers and distributions. The sensilla chaetica type was the most abundant in both species. Three types of sensilla (trichodea, basiconica, and chaetica) could be subdivided according to the two Monochamus species; sensilla trichodea could be divided into two subtypes, and sensilla basiconica and sensilla chaetica into three. All sensilla basiconica subtypes were multiporous, indicating that their primary function was olfactory. Sensilla trichodea subtype 2 was uniporous, indicating that the function of these sensilla might be gustatory. The morphological information obtained in our study provides a basis for future investigation of the sensory physiological function of each type of sensilla in the two species.     

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.