Comparison of the antennal sensilla of females of four fig-wasps associated with Ficus auriculata

A comparison was performed of the antennal sensilla of females of four chalcid wasp species Ceratosolen emarginatus Mayr, 1906, Sycophaga sp., Philotrypesis longicaudata Mayr, 1906, and Sycoscapter roxburghi Joseph, 1957, which are specific and obligatory associated with Ficus auriculata (Lour, 1790). The four species exhibit different oviposition strategies in the fig ovules where their offspring hatch and develop. Antennal sensilla morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Females of the four species present 11 morphologically similar types of sensilla: trichoid sensilla, sensilla obscura, chaetica sensilla 1 and 2, which all have mechanosensory functions; uniporous basiconic sensilla, which are presumably contact chemosensilla; basiconic capitate peg sensilla, coeloconic sensilla 1, multiporous basiconic and placoid sensilla, which may be regarded as olfactory sensilla, and coeloconic sensilla 2 and 3, which are presumed to be proprioreceptors or pressure receptors. The four species have significant differences in the abundance and arrangement of trichoid sensilla and chaetica sensilla 1 on the flagellum. The coeloconic sensilla and sensilla obscura only occur on the antennae of C. emarginatus that enter figs. The chemosensilla which are presumably involved in host discrimination, i.e., basiconic sensilla, multiporous placoid sensilla and basiconic capitate peg sensilla, are similar in shape and configuration, although they present some differences in abundance. These findings provide practical information on the adaptations of fig wasps and the relationship between multisensory antennae and functions in fig wasp behaviour.     

External morphology of antennal sensilla of trichogramma australicum girault (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae)

External morphology of antennal sensilla on female and male Trichogramma australicum (Hymenoptera : Trichogrammatidae) was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Antennae show strong sexual dimorphism in structure and types of sensilla. The female antenna displays 14 types of sensilla: basiconic capitate peg sensilla (types 1 and 2), campaniform sensilla, chaetica sensilla (types 1–3), coeloconic sensilla, falcate sensilla, placoid sensilla (types 1 and 2), styloconic sensilla and trichoid sensilla (types 1–3). The male antenna displays 12 types of sensilla: basiconic capitate peg sensilla (type 2), campaniform sensilla, chaetica sensilla (types 1–5), coeloconic sensilla, placoid sensilla (type 1), and trichoid sensilla (types 3–5). Falcate and styloconic sensilla occur only on the female antenna. Both sensilla probably are associated with host examination, host discrimination and oviposition behaviour. Male antennal trichoid sensilla types 4 and 5 are probably associated with courtship behaviour, because these types occur only on the male. We propose the term “falcate sensilla” for a unique female antennal sensilla; the number of falcate sensilla may be used for identification of Trichogramma spp. In addition, we report the presence of placoid sensilla type 2 and difference in structure of coeloconic sensilla in T. australicum. Variation in structure and position of antennal sensilla are discussed.     

Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies of the Antennal Sensilla of Metaphycus parasaissetiae Zhang & Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Metaphycus parasaissetiae Zhang & Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important adult parasitoid of Parasaissetia nigra Nietner (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). The external morphology of the antennal sensilla of male and female M. parasaissetiae was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The geniculate antennae of male and female M. parasaissetiae were composed of a scape with a basal radicula, a barrel-shaped pedicel, and a long flagellum. Twelve morphologically distinct types of sensilla were identified, including multiporous placoid sensilla, campaniform sensilla, finger-like sensilla, multiporous basiconic sensilla (BS-1), three aporous types of basiconic sensilla (BS-2, BS-3, and BS-4), two types of aporous trichoid sensilla (TS-1 and TS-3), a type of multiporous trichoid sensilla (TS-2), and two types of sensilla chaetica (CH-1 and CH-2). Sex dimorphism in the sensilla composition of M. parasaissetiae is also observed. Major differences between the sexes were found in the number, distribution, shape, structure, and size of the identified sensilla. We also discuss on the functional aspects of these sensilla to elucidate the mechanisms involved in host searching and courtship behavior of M. parasaissetiae.     

Morphology and untrastructure of the antennal sense organs in tenebrionid larvae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tenebrio molitor</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zophobas rugipes</Emphasis> Kirsch (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The distribution, external morphology, and ultrastructure of various types of sensilla in the antennae of tenebrionid larvae Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas rugipes are studied by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. On the antennae of T. molitor there are sensilla of four basic morphological types: basiconic, styloconic, trichoid, and papillate sensilla. On the antennae of Z. rugipes, in addition to the aforementioned ones, there are placoid sensilla. Ultrastructure points to olfactory function of basiconic and placoid sensilla. Other sensillum types are contact chemoreceptors.     

伪鞘榕小蜂雌雄成虫触角感器的超微形态、分布及适生意义

伪鞘榕小蜂Sycoscapter trifemmensis是一种寄生于鸡嗉子榕间花期榕果的专性寄生蜂,雌雄两性繁殖策略分化明显,为更好理解和诠释雌蜂寄主定位和雄蜂配偶识别机制,有必要对两性的触角感器进行观察。运用环境扫描电镜观察,对比和探讨了伪鞘榕小蜂雌雄成虫的触角和触角感器类型、分布、数量及其生态适应性。结果表明:雌蜂触角鞭节由11鞭小节组成,总长817.82±33.23μm,分布有毛形感器、刺形感器(类型1)、锥形感器(类型1)、多孔板形感器(类型1)、栓锥形乳突状感器5类5种;雄蜂触角鞭节仅由6鞭小节组成,全长为雌蜂的1/3,且各节有明显的缩短和增粗特征,着生感器包括毛形感器、刺形感器(类型2和类型3)、锥形感器(类型1和类型2)、多孔板形感器(类型2)、腔锥形感器5类7种。雌蜂触角感器的数量与分布显著高于雄蜂,且同类型感器在雌蜂上具有明显的延伸、增粗、分支的特征,以板形感器和锥形感器最为突出。伪鞘榕小蜂雌雄成虫的触角及其感器有明显的性二型,特别是与化学信息识别相关的感器,反映了雌雄蜂在不同生态环境和繁殖压力下的形态分化、行为策略和生态适应。     

Morphological and functional heterogeneity in olfactory perception between antennae and maxillary palps in the pumpkin fruit fly,Bactrocera depressa

The morphology and ultrastructure of the olfactory sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their responses to five volatile compounds were measured using electroantenogram (EAG) and electropalpogram (EPG) techniques in the pumpkin fruit fly, Bactrocera depressa (Shiraki; Diptera: Tephritidae). Male and female B. depressa displayed distinct morphological types of olfactory sensilla in the antennae and maxillary palps, with predominant populations of trichoid, basiconic, and coeloconic sensilla. Basiconic sensilla, the most abundant type of olfactory sensilla in the antennae, could be further classified into two different types. In contrast, the maxillary palps exhibited predominant populations of a single type of curved basiconic sensilla. High‐resolution SEM observation revealed the presence of multiple nanoscale wall‐pores on the cuticular surface of trichoid and basiconic sensilla, indicating that their primary function is olfactory. In contrast, coeloconic sensilla displayed several longitudinal grooves around the sensillum peg. The TEM observation of individual antennal olfactory sensilla indicates that the basiconic sensilla are thin‐walled, while the trichoid sensilla are thick‐walled. The profile of EAG responses of male B. depressa was different from their EPG response profile, indicating that the olfactory function of maxillary palps is different from that of antennae in this species. The structural and functional variation in the olfactory sensilla between antennae and maxillary palps suggests that each plays an independent role in the perception of olfactory signals in B. depressa.     

Ultrastructure and distribution of sensilla on the antennae of female fig wasp Eupristina sp. (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae)

In the species‐specific and obligate mutualism between the fig (Moraceae: Ficus spp.) and its pollinator (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae), the continuity of lifecycle of both partners completely depends on the female pollinator's ability to detect receptive figs. To better understand the chemical location mechanism, we examined the antennae and their sensilla of the female fig pollinator Eupristina sp. using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antennae of female Eupristina sp. are geniculated, and in total, there were seven types of sensilla found on the antennae: two types of multiporous placoid sensilla (type 1 is sausage‐like and type 2 is rounded), sensilla trichodea (ST), basiconic sensilla (BS), chaetica sensilla (ChS), coeloconic sensilla (CoS), and one specialized sensillum classified as sensillum obscurum (SO). We described external morphology, abundance, distribution, ultrastructure and discussed putative functions. We inferred from their ultrastructures as chemoreceptors that two types of multiporous placoid sensilla, BS and CoS, were innervated by sensory neurons. The aporous type ST, ChS, and SO were not innervated by dendrites which may function as mechanoreceptor/proprioceptor. These results were also discussed in relation to the interaction between Eupristina sp. and its host fig.     

木瓜榕传粉榕小蜂雌蜂触角感器的分布和超微形态

为探索木瓜榕传粉榕小蜂Ceratosolen emarginatus寄主定位机制, 应用扫描电镜和透射电镜观察了其雌蜂触角感器的类型、 分布和超微形态。结果显示： 木瓜榕传粉榕小蜂雌蜂触角呈膝状, 由柄节、 梗节和11个鞭小节组成的鞭节组成, 第3鞭小节着生一坚固的脊骨突。触角上共发现7类11种感器, 分别为毛形感器、 刺形感器、 锥形感器（包括单孔形和多孔形）、 多孔板形感器（包括长形和圆形）、 腔锥形感器（分为3种类型）、 栓锥形乳突状感器、 角锥形感器。结合表面特征和内部结构, 锥形感器、 多孔板形感器、 栓锥形乳突状感器和腔锥形感器类型1为有孔型, 为化学感器; 无孔型的毛形感器和刺形感器是机械感器, 但腔锥形感器类型2和3为本体感器或湿热压力感器; 最为特异的为角锥形感器, 其厚壁无孔, 逆向触角主轴, 为该科昆虫所特有, 推测可防止传粉榕小蜂进入榕果时滑脱。这些结果将有助于理解木瓜榕传粉榕小蜂特异性行为, 并为下一步开展电生理研究, 揭示其信息化学物质利用和分配模式奠定基础。     

Morphological characterization of the antennal sensilla of t he earwig Anisolabis maritima (Dermaptera: Carcinophoridae) with reference to their probable functions

The earwig, Anisolabis maritima (Dermaptera: Carcinophoridae), is one of the most significant insects in KSA because, it was recorded in Saudi Arabia as a beneficial predator on eggs and newly hatched larvae of the red palm weevil, Rhyncophorus ferrugineus. We examined the external morphology of the antennal sensilla of males and females of A. maritima using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The filiform antennae of A. maritima were of the conventional type comprising a basal scape, pedicle and a long, thread-like flagellum, which was composed of 12 flagellomeres of males and 16 flagellomeres of females. Six morphologically unique sensillar types were found and described on the antennae of males and females of A. maritima. Of those identified, there were three types of porous trichoid sensilla (long, curved and arcuate), and two types of basiconic sensilla (short and curved), and one type of aporous trichoid sensilla. The shape, external morphology and array of sensilla on the antennae of males and females of A. maritima were similar.     

Sensilla on the mouthparts and antennae of the elephant louse,Haematomyzus elephantis piaget (Phthiraptera: Haematomyzidae)

The labial palpus of the elephant louse Haematomyzus elephantis has six sensilla that represent three different types: trichoid, basiconic, and styloconic. Two rows of basiconic sensilla are situated on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the rostrum, and each row consists of three sensilla. Male and female antennae have 15–17 trichoid sensilla situated on the scape, pedicel, and three antennal annuli. Both sexes have two sensilla basiconica on the dorsal surface of the pedicel near the junction of the scape and pedicel. Two coeloconic (tuft) sensilla are situated on the antennae of both sexes, one sensillum on each of the last two annuli. There are three plate organs, two on the last annulus and one on the penultimate annulus of the male and female antennae. Sexual dimorphism is exhibited in the male and female antennae, in that the male has about twice as many sensilla basiconica on the apex of the last annulus as does the female. The total number of sensilla basiconica on the apex of the male antennae is at least two times the number that is known to be present in any other species of lice. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Morphometry and distribution of sensilla on the antennae of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Antennal sensilla of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.) were examined using scanning electron microscopy. In the flagellum, there are trichoid, basiconic, clavate type I and II, and styloconic sensilla and microtrichia. Only microtrichiae and chaetica sensilla were observed in the scape and pedicel. The number of sensilla in the flagellum was similar between sexes. At the apex there was a higher density of trichoid and an absence of clavate sensilla, while basiconic sensilla were more abundant in the proximal region.     

Sexual dimorphism of antennal and ovipositor sensilla of Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a primary parasitoid of the Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), an oil palm bagworm. The sensilla on the surface of the antenna and ovipositor of Tetrastichus sp. were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The antennae of both male and female Tetrastichus sp. are geniculate in shape and hinged at the scape-pedicel joint. The female antenna is about 200 µm longer than the male antenna. However, the male antenna has an additional flagellomere compared to the female antenna. In total, eight different types of antennal sensilla were observed on the antenna of Tetrastichus sp.: trichoid sensilla type 1, 2, 3, 4, placoid sensilla type 1 and 2, basiconic sensilla, and campaniform sensilla. The antenna of the female Tetrastichus sp. lacks placoid sensilla type 2 and campaniform sensilla. The distribution and abundance of the antennal sensilla were compared between the male and female Tetrastichus sp. and discussed. On the ovipositor stylet of Tetrastichus sp., coeloconic sensilla, styloconic sensilla and campaniform sensilla were observed. Trichoid sensilla were observed at the medial part of the distal extremity of the ovipositor.     

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.     

Morphological and ultrastructural characterization of olfactory sensilla in Drosophila suzukii: Scanning and transmission electron microscopy

Drosophila suzukii is a serious horticultural and quarantine pest, damaging various berry crops. Although the active use of olfactory communication in D. suzukii is well-known, their olfactory sensory system has not been comprehensively reported. Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the morphology, distribution and ultrastructure of olfactory sensilla present in the antennae and maxillary palps of D. suzukii, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The olfactory sensilla on the antennae of D. suzukii in both sexes could be classified into three major morphological types, basiconic, trichoid and coeloconic sensilla, according to their shapes. The antennal basiconic sensilla were further divided into three subtypes and the antennal trichoid sensilla into two subtypes, respectively, according to the size of individual sensillum. In contrast to the antennal olfactory sensilla showing diverse morphology, basiconic sensilla was the only type of olfactory sensilla in the maxillary palps of D. suzukii. The basiconic sensilla in the maxillary palps could be further classified into three subtypes, based on their size. Our SEM and TEM observations indicated that multiple nanoscale pores are present on the surface of all types of olfactory sensilla in the antennae and maxillary palps, except coeloconic sensilla. The difference in the morphological types and the distribution of olfactory sensilla suggests that their olfactory functions are different between antennae and maxillary palps in D. suzukii. The results of this study provide useful information for further studies to determine the function of olfactory sensilla in D. suzukii and to understand their chemical communication system.     

External morphology and abundance of mouthpart sensilla in Australian Gryllacrididae,Stenopelmatidae, and Tettigoniidae

Sensilla diversity and abundance were extremely high on the apex of the maxillary and labial palpi of two species of Gryllacrididae. The terminal segment of the maxillary palpi of these species had 9 and 15 sensilla types, respectively, and up to 2,834 sensilla. The labial palpi had 7 and 12 types, respectively, and up to 5,195 sensilla. Several types of multiporous smooth and ridged olfactory basiconic sensilla, and coeloconic, coelosphaeric, placoid, and multipapilliform sensilla occurred, as well as many trichoid sensilla and the more typical uniporous basiconic contact receptors. Two species of the closely related Stenopelmatidae were compared to the gryllacridids and found to have similar sensillar diversity and abundance, but three species of the more distantly related Tettigoniidae had only 4 or 5 sensilla types and a total number ranging from 320 to 960 on their maxillary palpi.     

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.     

Antennal sensilla of whiteflies: Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), the glasshouse whitefly,Aleyrodes proletella (Linnaeus), the cabbage whitefly,and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), the tobacco whitefly (Homoptera : Aleyrodidae). Part 1: External morphology

Scanning electron microscopy has revealed the detailed structure of the antennae of three species of whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Aleyrodes proletella, and Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera : Aleyrodidae). All 3 species have microtrichia and 5 types of sensilla on the antennae: chaetica, campaniform, basiconic, coeloconic, and pegs with digitate tips, the latter 3 of these being unique to the flagellum. The number and distribution of the sensilla unique to the flagellum vary among the species studied. The cuticle of the basiconic and the coeloconic sensilla is pitted and grooved, respectively, a prerequisite for an olfactory and/or a thermo-, hygroreceptive function. A sexual dimorphism does occur with respect to the position of the basiconic sensilla on flagella segment 5 of A. proletella, but not T. vaporariorum or B. tabaci.     

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.     

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.     

Morphology and ultrastructure of the chemosensory sensilla of larval antennae in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The allocation, external morphology, and ultrastructure of various types of sensilla on the antennae have been studied in the larvae of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It has been found that the larval antenna bears 11 sensilla of four morphological types: trichoid (five), basiconic (four), styloconic (one), and antennal cone (one). It has been shown that the sensilla are innervated by 2?C7 receptor cells: trichoid, by 2?C4 receptor cells; basiconic, by 4?C7 receptor cells; and styloconic, by 6 receptor cells. Judging by the specifics of their ultrastructural organization, the function of these sensilla is gustatory. The antennal cone is innervated by two receptor cells, and its function is olfactory.