Sense organs on the antennal flagellum of the mimosa webworm,Homadaula anisocentra (Lepidoptera,Glyphipterygidae)

Five different types of sense organs were found on the antennal flagellum of Homadaula anisocentra. These were (1) tactile hairs; (2) thick-walled chemoreceptors; (3) thin-walled chemoreceptors of several kinds; (4) styloconic chemoreceptors and (5) small chemoreceptor pegs in shallow depressions. No coeloconic sense organs were seen.     

Sense organs on the antennal flagellum of a giant cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, and a comparison with those of several other species (Dictyoptera, Blattaria)

Two kinds of tactile hairs, plain and wavy, thick-walled chemoreceptors and two types of thin-walled chemoreceptors are present on the antennal flagellum of Gromphadorhina portentosa males. These are described and their location on the antenna noted. Females of this species have plain tactile hairs and the same types of chemoreceptors as do the males but wavy tactile hairs are absent. The antennal sense organs of a few specimens of five other species of cockroaches — Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis, Supella longipalpa, Pycnoscelus surinamensis and Diploptera punctata — were also examined. All lacked tactile hairs but were provided with thick-walled chemoreceptors and with two types of thin-walled chemoreceptors similar to those described for Gromphadorhina portentosa.     

Sense organs on the antennal flagella of earwigs (Dermaptera) with special reference to those of Forficula auricularia

Five types of sense organs have been found on the antennal flagellum of Forficula auricularia Linnaeus: (1) tactile hairs; (2) long, thick-walled chemoreceptors; (3) short, thick-walled chemoreceptors; (4) thin-walled chemoreceptors and (5) coeloconic chemoreceptors. Earlier workers have placed the first three of these in a single class. The structural characteristics and distribution of these five kinds of sensilla on the antenna are described. All of the types except the third have been reported previously for other species but short, thick-walled chemoreceptors have not been described before. They are remarkable for the presence of (1) a broad pad-Like structure that absorbs dyes readily at the distal end of the peg and (2) a spheroid body, over a micron in diameter, on the dendrite of each olfactory neuron at the point where it narrows to assume the structure of a cilium. The antennal sense organs of a few specimens of Chelisoches morio (Fabricius), Labidura riparia (Pallas) and Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) were also examined.     

Sense organs on the antennal flagellum of two species of embioptera (Insecta)

Five different kinds of sense organs have been identified on the antennal flagellum of males of Ptilocerembia sp: (1) tactile hairs, (2) thick-walled chemoreceptors, (3) chemoreceptors with thick walls and many pores, (4) thin-walled chemoreceptors and (5) campaniform sense organs. The third type has not been reported previously for other species of insects and combines the characteristics of typical thick-walled and thin-walled chemoreceptors. The campaniform sense organs are situated in sets of three, 120° apart, on the periphery of the distal end of nearly every subsegment. They lie at the transition zone where the thicker cuticle of the subsegment changes to the thin membrane between subsegments.     

Structures on the antennal flagellum of a katydid, Neoconocephalus ensiger (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)

The long antennal flagellum of Neoconocephalus ensiger is covered with many sharp-tipped hairs that appear to be non-innervated; thick-walled chemoreceptors, that may also have a tactile function; thin-walled chemoreceptors of several kinds and coeloconic chemoreceptors. All of the chemoreceptors are innervated by small groups of neurons. The first flagellar subsegment is unusual in that it bears a small protuberance on its latero-ventral surface. This marks the site of the attachment, internally, of a scoloparium containing about eleven scolopales in which the dendrites of some 23 sensory neurons terminate. The most distal subsegment lacks the scoloparium reported earlier for the grasshopper. No conspicuous difference between the antennae of males and of females was found.     

Sense organs on the antennae of two species of thrips (Thysanoptera, insecta)

The antennae of two species of thrips, Bagnalliella yuccae (Hinds) and Frankliniella tritici (Fitch), have been examined with the light and electron microscopes. The antennal flagellum of both species is provided with tactile hairs, thick-walled chemoreceptors and thin-walled chemoreceptors. In addition, B. yuccae, but not F. tritici, has a single coeloconic chemoreceptor on the dorsal surface of the pedicel. Observations were made on the fluids in the lumen of the antennae of E. yuccae in the living insect. The movement of the fluids probably has an important physiological significance.     

Sense organs on the antennal flagellum of psocids (Insecta,Psocoptera)

The sense organs on the antennal flagella of five species of winged psocids belonging to two families of Psocoptera, Psocidae and Leptopsocidae, have been examined. All agree in possessing tactile hairs, thick-walled chemoreceptors and long, porous chemoreceptors. Thin-walled chemoreceptors were identified in all species except Metylophorous novaescotiae. Coeloconic chemoreceptors were present in all species except Echmepteryx hageni. Campaniform sense organs were found only in Metylophorus novaescotiae and Psocus leidyi.     

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.     

External morphology of antennae and their sense organs in the roach Gromphadorhina brunneri (Blattoidea: Dictyoptera)

The antennae and their sense organs in nymphs and adult roaches of Gromphadorhina brunneri, were investigated and described. The number of segments and sensillae of the nymphal antennae depend on the developmental stage. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Males have longer antennae than females as well as an abundance of especially long sensory hairs (long wavy hairs), which are probably responsible for the perception of female sex pheromones. They also have more thin-walled sensory hairs, for instance, sensilla trichodea. On a morphological basis the sensillae of Gromphadorhina brunneri, were named and classified. Long wavy hairs and large sensory hairs appear to be present also in a related species, G. portentosa, but are lacking in others. Their distribution on the antennae varies greatly from that in G. portentosa but their structure varies only slightly. These two types of sense organs are considered to be specialized forms of sensilla chaetica. They are contact chemoreceptors, as are two other types of sensilla chaetica. Furthermore, thin-walled chemoreceptors are present, such as sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla coeloconica and a typical mechanoreceptor, the sensillum campaniformium.     

Investigation of the sensory organs on antennae of the horseflies Hybomitra bimaculata and Tabanus bovinus (Diptera: Tabanidae) by scanning electron microscope

Sensory organs on the antennae of the horseflies Hybomitra bimaculata Macq. and Tabanus bovinus Loew are represented by the same morphological types of sensilla. Never differences in the topographical distribution of the sensilla on antennae have been also found, which can be explained by the similarity of ecological and behavioural adaptations of these insects. First and second antennal segments are found to be supplied with tactile hairs and proprioceptors. Other antennal segments bear sensory organs of several morphological types. Short thin olfactory hairs are most numerous among them. They are present on all segments of the antennal flagellum and belong to two morphological types different by the hair length. In the upper parts of the antennal segments from third to seventh several sensilla trichoidea are present, which probably serve as tactile and taste receptors.     

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.     

Structures on the antennal flagellum of a caddisfly,frenesia missa (Trichoptera,Limnephilidae)

Non-innervated macrotrichia and microtrichia, thick-walled chemoreceptors and three kinds of thin-walled chemoreceptors are present on the antennal flagellum of Frenesia missa. One of the thin-walled receptors, the plate organ, is of a type not previously recorded for any insect. About four times as many plate organs are present on the flagellum of the male as on that of the female. They occur also on the maxillary and labial palps.     

Apical antennal sensilla in nymphs of Libellula depressa (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Abstract. In an ultrastructural study of the apical antenna of the last nymphal stages of Libellula depressa (Odonata: Libellulidae), we found long sensilla trichodea, 2 sensory pegs, and a coeloconic sensillum on the last article of the flagellum (the distal part of the antenna). The long sensilla trichodea are mechanoreceptors, almost identical to the long filiform hairs of some terrestrial insects and the first sensilla of this kind to be described in aquatic insects. Particular attention was given to the complex coeloconic sensillum, a compound sensillum innervated by 2 groups of 3 neurons wrapped in a dendritic sheath. A cuticular sleeve envelops the distal portion of the outer dendritic segment. The cuticle of the coeloconic sensillum shows wide channels and is contiguous to the underlying granular and fibrillar layer. Similar structures on the antennae of the adults of other dragonflies were identified as chemoreceptors in previous studies. We hypothesize that this larval coeloconic sensillum might likewise have a chemosensory function, responding to molecules that diffuse through the cuticle and the underlying granular and fibrillar layer, as no clear pore or pore-tubule system is visible. Alternative functions are also explored on the basis of morphological details.     

Antennal sensory organs and glands of the harlequin ladybird,Harmonia axyridis

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a sub‐cosmopolitan species. Native to Asia, it has been released during the 20th century for classical and augmentative biological control of several herbivorous insects, mostly aphids and coccids. Despite its recognized positive impact on biological control, H. axyridis is now considered among the most dangerous invasive species in Europe and in most places where it has established. This is mostly due to its ability to reduce the populations of native predatory species of the same trophic guild. When exploring a new area, H. axyridis adults use semiochemical cues to acquire information about the habitat. Presumably, these cues are perceived by the sensilla located on the antennae. Surprisingly, in spite of the huge literature existing on H. axyridis, the antennal sensory organs have been poorly characterized. Here, we used scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) techniques to study H. axyridis antennae, with focus on the various types of sensilla and their distribution in male and female individuals. The presence of various classes of antennal sensilla belonging to the main types described in insects (chemoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and thermo‐hygroreceptors) was highlighted, as well as the widespread presence of antennal glands. The investigations showed some peculiar characteristics not known in Coccinellidae, such as the concentration of sensory structures at the level of the distal part of the apical antennomere and the discovery of antennal glands associated with it. No sexual dimorphism was revealed, neither for the general structure of the antenna (similar number of antennomeres and presence of modifications), nor for the total length and width of the antenna, the relative size of the antennomeres, the types of antennal sensilla, of their distribution and abundance. The potential relevance of these sensory structures and antennal glands, reported for the first time in Coccinellidae, is discussed in the context of intra‐ and interspecific communication.     

Developmental changes of the antenna and its neurons in the silkworm,Bombyx mori,with special regard to larval-pupal transformation

The larval antenna of Bombyx mori has 13 sensilla and about 52 sensory neurons in its distal portion. The axons form two nerve cords which unite in the cranial hemocoel to supply the brain as the olfactory nerve. The antennal imaginal disc, which is a thick pseudostratified epithelium continuous with the antennal epidermis, thickens markedly during the 5th instar by rapid cell proliferation. At the prepupal stage cell proliferation ceases and the disc everts to form a large pupal antenna. Simultaneously, an extensive cell rearrangement occurs in the antennal epidermis and the disc tissue becomes much thinner because of the abrupt expansion of antennal surface area. The two larval nerve cords thin down markedly by degeneration of axons, but they do not disintegrate totally even after the onset of pupation. The epidermis of the larval antenna forms the distal portion of the pupal antenna, while the imaginal disc forms the more basal portion. Development to the adult antenna occurs almost immediately after the onset of pupation; many adult neurons appear in the simple epidermis facing toward the thick outer side of the newly formed pupal cuticle. By 12 hours after the onset of pupation, these neurons align themselves in many transverse rows which are the first sign of the adult antennal configuration. Addition of these neuronal axons to the once-thinned nerve cords causes resumed thickening of the cords during the first 24 hours and thereafter. Differentiation of adult sensilla begins in the next 24 hours and is almost completed at the third day of pupation, which requires a total of 10 days.     

The antennae of damselfly larvae

The larval antennal sensilla of two Zygoptera species, Calopteryx haemorroidalis (Calopterygidae) and Ischnura elegans (Coenagrionidae) are investigated with SEM and TEM. These two species have different antennae (geniculate, setaceous) and live in different environments (lotic, lentic waters). Notwithstanding this, similarities in the kind and distribution of sensilla are outlined: in both species the majority of sensilla types is located on the apical portion of the antenna, namely a composed coeloconic sensillum (possible chemoreceptor), two other coeloconic sensilla (possible thermo-hygroreceptors) and an apical seta (direct contact mechanoreceptor). Other mechanoreceptors, such as filiform hairs sensitive to movements of the surrounding medium or bristles positioned to sense the movements of the flagellar segments, are present on the antenna. Similarities in the antennal sensilla types and distribution are observed also with other dragonfly species, such as Onychogomphus forcipatus and Libellula depressa. A peculiar structure with an internal organization similar to that of a gland is observed in the apical antenna of C. haemorroidalis and I. elegans and it is present also in O. forcipatus and L. depressa. The possible function of this structure is at the moment unknown but deserves further investigations owing to its widespread presence in Odonata larvae.     

Inactivation of olfactory sensilla of a single morphological type differentially affects the response of Drosophila to odors

The olfactory organs on the head of Drosophila, antennae and maxillary palps, contain several hundred olfactory hairs, each with one or more olfactory receptor neurons. Olfactory hairs belong to one of three main morphological types, trichoid, basiconic, and coeloconic sensilla, and show characteristic spatial distribution patterns on the surface of the antenna and maxillary palps. Here we show that targeting expression of the cell-death gene reaper to basiconic sensilla (BS) causes the specific inactivation of most olfactory sensilla of this type with no detectable effect on other types of olfactory sensilla or the structure of the antennal lobe. Our data suggest that BS are required for a normal sensitivity to many odorants with a variety of chemical structures, through a wide range of concentrations. Interestingly, however, in contrast to other odorants tested, the behavioral response of ablated flies to intermediate concentrations of propionic and butyric acids is normal, suggesting the involvement of sensilla unaffected by ectopic reaper expression, probably coeloconic sensilla that respond strongly to these two organic acids. As inactivation of BS causes an underestimation of the concentration of both acids detectable at both the highest and lowest odorants concentrations, our results suggest that concentration coding for these two odorants relies on the integration of signals from different subsets of sensilla, most likely of different morphological types.     

Sense organs on the antennal flagellum of the human louse,Pediculus humanus (Anoplura)

Tactile hairs are present on all three subsegments of the antennal flagellum of the human louse. There is, in addition, a single chemoreceptor (tuft organ) on subsegment 2 and 12 or 13 chemoreceptors (one tuft organ, two pore organs and nine or ten pegs) on subsegment 3. The cuticle surrounding the bases of the pegs at the tip of the antenna is unusual in that parts of it are perforated by many fine pores. This cuticle is underlain by a thin layer of dendrites. This region may also have a chemoreceptor function.