The fine structure of thermo-/hygrosensitive sensilla in the silkmoth Bombyx mori: Receptor membrane substructure and sensory cell contacts

Summary The thermo-/hygroreceptive sensilla styloconica of the silkmoth Bombyx mori are located on the tips of the antennal branches. A small poreless cuticular peg is innervated by three sensory cells. The outer dendritic segments of two type-1 receptor cells, the presumed hygroreceptors, almost completely fill the peg lumen and are in close contact with each other. The outer dendritic segment of the third (type-2) receptor cell, the presumed thermoreceptor, forms lamellae below the peg base. The membranes of these lamellae are studded with knobs in orthogonal array, protruding into the extracellular space with the same orientation on facing lamellae. This Bossy Orthogonal Surface Substructure (BOSS) is assumed to play a role in thermoreceptor function. Contacts are observed between the outer dendritic segments, between the inner dendritic segments immediately below the ciliary segments, and between the sensory cell somata. These contacts, which are not found in the olfactory sensilla (s. trichodea and basiconica) of this species, indicate electrical interactions between the three sensory cells of the styloconic sensillum and possibly are involved in the antagonistic and/or bimodal response characteristics of thermo-/hygroreceptor cells.     

Gustatory organs of Drosophila melanogaster: fine structure and expression of the putative odorant-binding protein PBPRP2

In Drosophila, as in most insects, gustation is mediated by sensory hairs located on the external and internal parts of the proboscis and on the legs and wings. We describe in detail the organization and ultrastructure of the gustatory sensilla on the labellum and legs and the distribution of PBPRP2, a putative odorant-binding protein, in the gustatory organs of Drosophila. The labellum carries two kinds of sensilla: taste bristles and taste pegs. The former have the typical morphology of gustatory sensilla and can be further subdivided into three morphological subtypes, each with a stereotyped distribution and innervation. Taste pegs have a unique morphology and are innervated by two receptor cells: one mechanoreceptor and the other a putative chemoreceptor cell. PBPRP2 is abundantly expressed in all adult gustatory organs on labellum, legs, and wings and in the internal taste organs on the proboscis. In contrast to olfactory organs, where PBPRP2 is expressed in the epidermis, this protein is absent from the epidermis of labial palps and legs. In the taste bristles of the labellum and legs, PBPRP2 is localized in the crescent-shaped lumen of the sensilla, and not in the lumen where the dendrites of the gustatory neurons are found, making a function in stimulus transport unlikely in these sensilla. In contrast, PBPRP2 in peg sensilla is expressed in the inner sensillum-lymph cavity and is in contact with the dendrites. Thus, PBPRP2 could be involved as a carrier for hydrophobic ligands, e.g., bitter tastants, in these sensilla.     

Labial tip sensilla of Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Hemiptera: Blissidae): Ultrastructure and behavior

The cuticular sensory receptors that are found on the apex of the labium of hemipterans play an important role in their feeding behavior. In this study we describe the ultrastructure, number, and distribution of sensilla on the labium apex of the chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus leucopterus. Each apical field of sensilla on the labium contains 11 uniporous peg sensilla and one sensillum chaeticum. The uniporous peg sensilla are innervated by 4–5 bipolar neurons that send dendrites in the lumen of each peg. Three neurons are associated with each sensillum chaeticum, two neurons have dendrites in the lumen of the sensillum, and the third dendrite ends in a tubular body at the base of the sensillum. Behavioral tests that involve chemical blockage of the sensory receptors show the importance of the labial sensilla in feeding behavior. Both morphological and behavioral evidence indicate that the labial sensilla have a chemosensitive function.     

Functional morphology of a double-walled multiporous olfactory sensillum: the sensillum coeloconicum of Bombyx mori (Insecta, Lepidoptera)

The fine structure of coeloconic sensilla of Bombyx mori was studied in cryofixed specimens. These sensilla belong to the category of double-walled wall-pore sensilla. The pegs are approximately 10 mum long, located in pits on the dorsal side of the antennal branches, and longitudinally grooved in their distal half (grooved surface approximately 30 mum(2)). The central lumen contains the outer dendritic segments of usually five receptor cells, and is surrounded by up to 15 partially fused cuticular fingers. The peripheral lumina of these cuticular fingers are filled with material resembling wax-canal filaments. Radial spoke channels ( approximately 600 per peg), each 10-20 nm wide, connect the central lumen with the longitudinal groove channels. Groove and spoke channels are assumed to mediate the transport of odorant molecules from the outer epicuticular surface layers to the sensory dendrites. Thus the double-walled wall-pore sensilla represent a bauplan essentially different from single-walled wall-pore sensilla; the reason, however, why the two types are found together throughout the insect orders remains enigmatic. Other peculiar features of the coeloconic sensilla of the silkmoth are invaginations of the outer dendritic segments and direct contacts between the receptor cell somata. The latter may be the structural correlate to electrophysiological observations indicative of peripheral interaction between the receptor neurons. All three auxiliary cells have elaborately folded apical plasma membranes studded with portasomes and associated with an abundance of mitochondria; basally they often contact tracheal branches. As compared to the auxiliary cells of the single-walled olfactory sensilla of the same species, all the mentioned features are much more prominent and hint to a higher ion pumping activity at the border to the sensillum-lymph cavities.     

Fine structure of antennal putative thermo-/hygrosensilla of adult Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

At least five nonporous sensilla with inflexible sockets (npsensilla) occur on each antenna of both sexes of adult Rhodnius prolixus. Externally the sensillum appears as a short, rounded peg set into a pit surrounded by a depression. A very electron-dense material occurs in the peg lumen and the inner aspect of the pit. Filamentous extensions of this material radiate into the overlying outlets. Each sensillum is innervated by three neurons with unbranched dendrites. Two dendrites extend to the peg tip and distally are covered by a dendritic sheath. The portion of these dendrites within the sheath contains a large number of microtubules. The third dendrite terminates near the base of the dentritic sheath and partially wraps around the other two dendrites. Three sheath cells are associated with each sensillum. Based on similarities in structure with sensilla of known function it is probable that the np-sensilla of R. prolixus are thermo-/hygrosensilla responding to cold, dryness and wetness. The sensilla have a number of structural similarities with insect rectal sheath cells known to absorb atmospheric water by electroosmosis. Possibly this process leads to volumetric alterations of cuticular elements associated with the dendrites and ultimately to mechanotransduction.     

Ultrastructure and physiology of the CO2 sensitive sensillum ampullaceum in the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens

The sensilla ampullacea on the apical antennomere of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens were investigated regarding both their responses to CO2 and their ultrastructure. By staining the sensillum during recording, we confirmed that the sensilla ampullacea are responsible for CO2 perception. We showed that the sensory neurons of the sensilla ampullacea are continuously active without adaptation during stimulation with CO2 (test duration: 1 h). This feature should enable ants to assess the absolute CO2 concentration inside their nests. Sensilla ampullacea have been found grouped mainly on the dorso-lateral side of the distal antennal segment. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic investigations revealed that the external pore opens into a chamber which connects to the ampulla via a cuticular duct. We propose protection against evaporation as a possible function of the duct. The ampulla houses a peg which is almost as long as the ampulla and shows cuticular ridges on the external wall. The ridges are separated by furrows with cuticular pores. The peg is innervated by only one sensory neuron with a large soma. Its outer dendritic segment is enveloped by a dendritic sheath up to the middle of the peg. From the middle to the tip numerous dendritic branches (up to 100) completely fill the distal half of the peg. This is the first report of a receptor cell with highly branched dendrites and which probably is tuned to CO2 exclusively.     

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.     

Ultrastructure and receptor cell responses of the antennal grooved peg sensilla of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Ultrastructural examination of grooved-peg (GP) sensilla on the antenna of fifth instar Triatoma infestans nymphs by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal that they are 8–18 μm long with a diameter of about 2–2.8 μm at the non-articulated base. Some pegs have a terminal pore. These double-walled wall-pore (dw-wp) sensilla have an outer cuticular wall with 13–18 longitudinal grooves at the distal part of the peg. Groove channels are present at the bottom of the grooves from which radial spoke channels lead into the inner sensillum-lymph cavity. A dendrite sheath connects the tip of the thecogen cell to the inner cuticular wall thus forming separated outer and inner sensillum-lymph cavities. Four or five bipolar receptor cells are ensheathed successively within the GP sensilla by the thecogen cell, trichogen and tormogen cells. The inner dendritic segments of each sensory cell give rise at the ciliary constriction to an unbranched outer dendritic segment which can reach the tip of the sensillum.Electrophysiological recordings from the GP sensilla indicate that they house NH₃, short-chain carboxylic acid and short-chain aliphatic amine receptor cells and can be divided into three functional sub-types (GP 1–3). All GP sensilla carry a receptor cell excited by aliphatic amines, such as isobutylamine, a compound associated with vertebrate odour. GP type 1 and 2 sensilla house, in addition, an NH₃-excited cell whereas the type 2 sensilla also contains a short-chain carboxylic acid receptor. No cell particularly sensitive to either NH₃ or carboxylic acids was found in the grooved-peg type 3 sensilla. GP types 1, 2 and 3 represent ca. 36, 10 and 43% of the GP sensilla, respectively, whereas the remaining 11% contain receptor cells that manifest normal spontaneous activity but do not respond to any of the afore mentioned stimuli.     

The structure of bimodal chemo-, thermo-, and hygroreceptive sensilla on the antenna of Locusta migratoria

Summary Coeloconic sensilla on the antenna of Locusta migratoria were investigated electrophysiologically, labeled and then examined under the scanning or transmission electron microscope. They can be categorized into two main morphological types: 1) sensilla with wall pores and two concentric cuticular walls (wp-dw sensilla), and 2) sensilla lacking wall pores (np-sensilla).Hygroreceptors were observed only in np-sensilla. Olfactory receptors were observed in wp-dw sensilla, but not in np-sensilla. Cold-sensitive units were found in both types. Wp-dw sensilla with a cold-sensitive unit also manifest a fatty acid olfactory receptor. This cold-sensitive unit appears to be less sensitive to drops in temperature than the cold receptor combined with hygroreceptors in np-sensilla. Recordings from both types revealed up to three or sometimes four units that could be distinguished on the basis of impulse amplitude.The number of np-sensilla on each antennal segment ranges from 0 to 6. These sensilla are pegs 4–5 m long with a terminal swelling. The dendritic outer segments of two sensory cells fit tightly into these pegs. The dendrite of the third sensory cell ends at its base. All three are up to 1 m thick, unbranched, and densely filled with microtubules. The cuticular wall and socket of the peg are characterized by (1) an electron-dense inner layer surrounding the dendrites and continuous with electron dense clusters at the base of the peg, and (2) clefts in the cuticle at the insertion of the peg.The present observations favor the hypothesis that insect sensilla combining the triad of moist air, dry air and cold receptors generally lack pores. Specifical, though still alternative roles in stimulus transduction can be suggested for substructures demonstrated in the present and previous electron microscopic investigations.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 4:G1/D)     

Olfactory responses and sensilla morphology of the blackcurrant leaf midge Dasineura tetensi

Olfactory responses of Dasineura tetensi (Rubs) (Diptera; Cecidomyiidae) to leaf volatiles of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) were tested in a 4-way olfactometer. Newly emerged virgin females showed no response to the leaf volatiles emitted from a blackcurrant shoot. Newly emerged males (which are known to respond to a pheromone released by the female) also showed no response to the leaf volatiles. Two hours after mating females responded positively, indicating that leaf volatiles may play a role in host plant finding. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy of the antennae of D. tetensi showed that males and females share five sensillum types; sensilla chaetica (mechanoreceptors), sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, uniporous peg sensilla and circumfila (chemoreceptors). The sensilla chaetica and sensilla trichodea resemble those found on other insects. Sensilla basiconica were found on all antennal subsegments except the tip. These are multiporous receptors with five unbranched dendrites filling the lumen. Small peg sensilla located on the tips of both male and female antennae may function as contact-chemoreceptors. The circumfila, which are a unique type of sensilla found only on cecidomyiid antennae, form loops around each of the antennal subsegments, being attached to the surface by a series of stalks. TEM revealed that each stalk consisted of one sensillum containing a single highly branched dendrite. The distal regions of the walls of each sensillum are fused together to form the circumfila. Circumfila have multiporous walls and a lumen filled with multiple branches of dendrites. Their structure suggests that they are important olfactory receptors in both the male and female.     

The hair-peg organs of the shore crab,Carcinus maenas (Crustacea,Decapoda): Ultrastructure and functional properties of sensilla sensitive to changes in seawater concentration

Summary The hair-peg organs of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas, are modified hair-sensilla. A small hair shaft (peg) is surrounded by a tuft of solid cuticular bristles (hairs). Each hair-peg organ is innervated by 6 sensory neurons, 2 of which have scolopidial (type-I) dendrites. The outer segments of all dendrites pass through a cuticular canal extending to the articulated hair base in which the 2 type-I dendrites terminate. The other 4 (type-II) dendrites reach the clavate tip of the hair shaft and have access to a terminal pore and a large sickle-shaped aperture. Three inner and 8–12 outer enveloping cells belong to a hair-peg organ. The innermost enveloping cell contains a scolopale, which has desmosomal connections to the ciliary rootlets of the type-I dendrites. An inner and an outer sensillum lymph space are present. The ultrastructural features of the dendrites and the cuticular apparatus indicate that the hair-peg organs are bimodal sensilla, comprising 2 mechano- and 4 chemosensitive sensory neurons. Extracellular recordings from the leg nerve indicate that the chemosensitive neurons of the hair-peg organs respond to changes in seawater concentration in the physiological range of Carcinus maenas.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 45/A1; W. Gnatzy)     

Fine structure and primary sensory projections of sensilla located in the sacculus of the antenna of Drosophila melanogaster

Sensilla lining the inner walls of the sacculus on the third antennal segment of Drosophila melanogaster were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. The sacculus consists of three chambers: I, II and III. Inside each chamber morphologically distinct groups of sensilla having inflexible sockets were observed. Chamber I contains no-pore sensilla basiconica (np-SB). The lumen of all np-SB are innervated by two neurons, both resembling hygroreceptors. However, a few np-SB contain one additional neuron, presumed to be thermoreceptive. Chamber II houses no-pore sensilla coeloconica (np-SC). All np-SC are innervated by three neurons. The outer dendritic segments of two of these neurons fit tightly to the wall of the lumen and resemble hygroreceptor neurons. A third, more electron-dense sensory neuron, terminates at the base of the sensillum and resembles a thermoreceptor cell. Chamber III of the sacculus is divided into ventral and dorsal compartments, each housing morphologically distinct grooved sensilla (GS). The ventral compartment contains thick GS₁, and the dorsal compartment has slender sensilla GS₂. Ultrastructurally, both GS₁ and GS₂ are doublewalled sensilla with a longitudinal slit-channel system and are innervated by two neurons. The dendritic outer segment of one ofthe two neurons innervates the lumen of the GS and branches. On morphological criteria, we infer this neuron to be olfactory. The other sensory neuron is probably thermoreceptive. Thus, the sacculus in Drosophila has sensilla that are predominantly involved in hygroreception, thermoreception, and olfaction. We have traced the sensory projections of the neurons innervating the sacculus sensilla of chamber III using cobaltous lysine or ethanolic cobalt (II) chloride. The fibres project to the antennal lobes, and at least four glomeruli (VM₃, DA₃ and DL_2-3) are projection areas of sensory neurons from these sensilla. glomerulus DL₂ is a common target for the afferent fibres of the surface sensilla coeloconica and GS, whereas the VM₃, DA₃ and DL₃ glomeruli receive sensory fibres only from the GS.     

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.     

Fine structural analysis of palpal receptors in the tick Amblyomma americanum (L.)

Summary Palps of the tick Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acarina: Ixodidae; nymphal stage) were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The terminal palp segment (IV) bears the so-called palpal organ, a cluster of 10 short, blunt-tipped sensilla. All sensilla (except for the center sensillum) receive a dual innervation: 2 mechanoreceptive dendrites which terminate in the socket membrane plus several chemoreceptive dendrites (4–12) which enter the lumen. The thick-walled cuticular shaft possesses 2–3 small pore openings (100 Å) below the tip, thus establishing communication between dendrites and environment. Two structurally different types of palpal sensilla exist: The A-type has a characteristic doublelumen and always contains 4 dendrites, the B-type features a single lumen and a specially layered cuticular shaft with 6–12 dendrites. The fine structure of the tick palpal receptors corresponds closely to that of known contact chemoreceptors in insects.This research was supported in part by a contract with the Office of Naval Research (R. C. Axtell, principal investigator), and by NIH Training grant ES 00069. Paper no. 3700 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh.     

Ultrastructure of the peg and hair sensilla on the antenna of larval Aedes aegypti (L.)

The antenna of fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti has one peg organ of a basiconic type innervated by four neurons. The dendrites are ensheathed to near their terminations at the peg tip by an electron-dense dendritic sheath and by a cuticular sheath. They have easy communication by diffusion with the external environment only at the tip through a peripheral ensheathing membrane and six slit-channels. One of the dendrites resembles a tubular body proximally and may be mechanoreceptive. The peg generally appears to be a contact chemoreceptor. There are three antennal hairs of a typical sensillum trichodeum type innervated at the base by one neuron each. An intricate terminal mechanism at the insertion of the dendrite in the hair is described. These are believed to be tactile hairs. There are also three antennal hairs each innervated by two neurons. The dendrite from one terminates at the base similar to that of a tactile hair, and is believed to function in a similar mechanoreceptive manner. The dendrite from the second neuron extends naked along the length of the hair lumen. It is believed to be primarily chemoreceptive, in a slow-acting general sensory function. In all the sensilla there appear to be secretions produced in the junction body regions of the dendrites, and there is evidence for accumulation of secretory materials in the dendritic tips in some of the sensilla.     

The structure of the terminal sensilla on the maxillary palps of Locusta migratoria (L.), and changes associated with moulting

Summary The basic structure of the terminal sensilla of Locusta migratoria resembles that of Schistocerca gregaria. There are commonly six or ten neurons whose dendrites extend almost to the opening of the peg. Proximally the dendrites are clothed by a neurilemma cell which also encloses a basal cavity through which their ciliary region passes. The tormogen cell encloses the receptor-lymph cavity and actively secretes material into it. The receptor-lymph cavity and the basal cavity are quite separate.The development of new pegs at a moult is described. After apolysis the scolopale extends across the subcuticular space and protects the dendrites, which remain in a functional condition until shortly before ecdysis. As the trichogen cell grows out to form a new peg the tip is surrounded by a mass of electron-dense material, probably derived from the receptorlymph cavity. The function of this material is unknown. Regeneration of the dendrites is considered.The possible mechanism by which the tip of the peg opens and closes is considered and the general structure of the organule is discussed in relation to functioning.     

The antennal sensilla of the adult of Libellula depressa (Odonata: Libellulidae)

An ultrastructural investigation (SEM, TEM) on the antennal flagellum of the adult of the dragonfly Libellula depressa (Odonata:Libellulidae) revealed sensilla located in pits on the lateral-ventral side of the antenna. These sensilla are represented by sensilla coeloconica and by deeply sunken sensilla. The sensilla coeloconica are innervated by three unbranched dendrites, which enter the peg and show a dendrite sheath ending at the base of the peg. The peg has no socket and its cuticle is irregular with wide pore-like structures at the base of which actual pores are visible. The structure of these coeloconic sensilla is in agreement with that reported for single-walled insect chemoreceptors. The deeply sunken sensilla are represented by two kinds of sensilla styloconica, named type-1 and type-2, located at the bottom of deep cavities appearing as simple openings on the antennal surface. These sensilla are no-pore sensilla with inflexible socket and unbranched dendrites and, notwithstanding their structural differences, share common features typical of thermo/hygroreceptors. The presence of chemoreceptors in adult dragonflies sheds light on evolutionary trends in insect perception; the previously unknown occurrence of thermo/hygroreceptors in dragonflies is very important in view of the reported ability of Odonata to thermoregulate heliothermically.     

Volume and surface of receptor and auxiliary cells in hygro-/thermoreceptive sensilla of moths (Bombyx mori,Antheraea pernyi,and A. polyphemus)

Summary The thermo/hygroreceptive sensilla styloconica of the silkmoths Bombyx mori, Antheraea pernyi, and A. polyphemus were reconstructed from serial sections of cryofixed and chemically fixed specimens. The volume and surface area of the different sensillar cells were calculated from the area and circumference of consecutive section profiles. In addition, data are provided on the length and diameter of the outer and inner dendritic segments of the receptor cells. The morphometric data obtained from the three species are highly consistent and significantly different from those of olfactory sensilla trichodea of the same species. In each sensillum two type-1 receptor cells (hygroreceptors) are associated with one type-2 cell with a lamellated outer dendritic segment, a comparatively thick inner dendritic segment, and a particularly large soma (thermoreceptor). In contrast to olfactory sensilla, the thecogen cell is the largest auxiliary cell forming an extensive apical labyrinth bordering the inner sensillum-lymph space, whereas an inconspicuous trichogen cell and a medium-sized tormogen cell border a comparatively small outer sensillum-lymph cavity. Moreover, both sensillum-lymph spaces are separated from each other not only by the dendrite sheath, but also by the trichogen cell. The results are discussed with regard to recent electrophysiological observations and current hypotheses on the function of sensilla.     

Antennal sensilla and their nerve innervation in first‐instar nymphs of Porphyrophora sophorae Arch. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Margarodidae)

ABSTRACT Porphyrophora (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Margarodidae) is a genus of soil‐inhabiting scale insects. The antennal sensilla and their innervation in the first‐instar nymphs of Porphyrophora sophorae were studied using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy to understand the function of these sensilla and determine the sensillar innervation feature on these small antennae. The results show that the six‐segmented antennae of these nymphs have 20–23 sensilla which can be morphologically classified into seven types, for example, one Böhm's bristle (Bb), one campaniform sensillum (Ca), one Johnston's organ (Jo), 13–16 aporous sensilla trichodea (St), two coeloconic sensilla (Co), one straight multiporous peg (Mp1), and one curvy multiporous peg (Mp2). According to their function, these sensilla can be categorized into three categories: mechanoreceptors, that is, Bb, Ca, Jo, and St; thermo/hygroreceptors, that is, Co only; and chemoreceptors, that is, Mp1 and Mp2. The dendrites that innervate the Mp1, Mp2, and Co sensilla combine to form a large nerve tract (NT1) in the antennal lumen. Because NT1 extends through and out of the antenna, the somata of these neurons are present in the lymph cavity of the insect's head. The dendrites that innervate the mechanoreceptors form another nerve tract (NT2). The somata of these neurons are located inside the scape and pedicel. J. Morphol. 277:1631–1647, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.