The structure of the antennae of the Florida Queen butterfly, Danaus gilippus berenice (Cramer)

Interest in the structure of the antennae of the Florida Queen butterfly arises from the finding that a pheromone is active in their courtship. Light and electron microscopic techniques were used to study the sensilla on the antennae and three types of sensilla with perforated walls were identified. The most common of these are short, thin-walled pegs which are distributed over most of the antennal surface. Long, curved, thin-walled pegs occur in patches on the inner medial antennal surface. Multiple coeloconic sensilla are present having up to 50 pegs in one sensillum. On the outer 28 flagellar subsegments there are two such sensilla per subsegment. In addition there are on the antennae long, thick-walled hairs which are mechanoreceptors and probably also contact chemoreceptors. Sunken pegs, the function of which is not known, occur on the antennae. Grooved sensilla were found with the electron microscope but could not be identified with the light microscope. There was no indication of sexual dimorphism in sensilla types or numbers on the antennae.     

Mapping and ultrastructure of antennal chemosensilla of the wheat bug Eurygaster maura

Antennae of the wheat stink bug Eurygaster maura L. (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) were investigated to elucidate structure and distribution of antennal chemosensilla in females. Five type of sensilla were identified and characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Type 1 sensilla are mechanical and contact chemoreceptors with a single apical pore. Types 2 and 3 sensilla are multiporous chemoreceptors both with typical features of olfactory sensilla. Type 4 are multiporous peg-like sensilla, short and with a grooved surface. Type 5 are sensilla coeloconica with a smooth and aporous peg completely inserted in a sub-cuticular chamber. All types are distributed on the two flagellar segments, but we considered only the apical flagellomere in which the largest number of sensilla are located. The most abundant sensilla are type 3, while the less numerous are type 5. All types, except type 2, decreased in number from the tip to the base of the segment. The lower density of sensilla was recorded on the dorsal-internal part of the apical antennomere, while the higher density was recorded on the opposite side (external-ventral).     

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.     

Fine structure of tarsal sensory organs in the whip spider Admetus pumilio (Amblypygi, Arachnida).

The sensory organs on the tarsi of the antenniform first legs of the whip spider Admetus pumilio C. L. Koch (Amblypygi, Arachnida) were examined with the scanning and transmission electron microscope. At least four different types of hair sensilla were found: (1) thick-walled bristles, which have the characteristics of contact chemoreceptors (several chemoreceptive dendrites in the lumen plus two mechanoreceptors at the base); (2) short club sensilla, innervated by 4-6 neurons which terminate in a pore on the tip; they are possibly humidity receptors; (3) porous sensilla, which are either innervated by 20-25 neurons and have typical pore tubules, or they have 40-45 neurons but no pore tubules; both types are considered to be olfactory; (4) rod sensilla occur in clusters near segmental borders; they are innervated by only one large dendrite which branches inside the lumen. Other tarsal receptors are the claws, which correspond to contact chemoreceptors, and the pit organ which resembles the tarsal organ of spiders. Compared to other arthropod sensilla, the contact chemoreceptors are very similar to those of spiders, while the porous sensilla correspond structurally to olfactory receptors in insects; the club and rod sensilla seem to be typical for amblypygids.     

Ultrastructure des sensilles trochanteriens de Campodea sensillifera conde et mathieu (Diplura : Campodeidea)

The fine structure of the basiconica sensilla situated on the posterior part of trochanters in Campodea sensillifera (Diplura : Campodeidea) reveals that they are probably olfactory and mechano-sensitive setae. Each sensillum is composed of one sensory axis made of 3 dendrites ensheathed by 3 cells (thecogen, trichogen and tormogen); one outer segment ends by a tubular corper without connection with the cuticular layer. The setae are generally racket-shaped. The epicuticular layer of the expanded part is perforated by a lattice of numerous slits, which communicate with underlying canals. The ciliary structures and apex of the tormogen cell are eliminated just before ecdysis. The ciliary microtubules are present in the cavity of the new sensillum, but after ecdysis the microtubules persist only at the lower part of the peduncle. An ecdysial canal appears at the tip of the sensillum.     

Antennal sensilla and their possible functions in the host-plant selection behaviour of Phenacoccus manihoti (Matile-Ferrero) (Homoptera : Pseudococcidae)

Nine different types of sensilla have been identified on the antenna of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Homoptera : Pseudococcidae) with scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Trichoid sensilla, distributed on all segments of the antenna and innervated by a single mechanoreceptive dendrite, have the characteristics of exteroceptors. A campaniform sensillum located on the pedicel and one basiconic sensillum on the flagellum have the characteristics of proprioceptors. Coeloconic sensilla, located ventrally on the pedicel and flagellum, related to poreless sensilla with inflexible sockets, have the characteristics of thermo/hygroreceptors. Uniporous sensilla with a mechanoreceptive dendrite (smooth pegs P1 and P2, grooved pegs P3) and multiporous chemosensilla (grooved pegs P4 and P5), present on the tip of the flagellum, have, respectively, the characteristics of gustatory and olfactory receptors. The results of this study seem to suggest that the cassava mealybug has sensory equipment on its antennae that can detect, by olfaction and contact, chemicals released by the plant.     

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

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

Ultrastructure of the funicular sensilla of the cabbage root fly,Delia radicum L. (Diptera : Anthomyiidae)

A transmission electron microscope study of the funicular sensilla of the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum, (Diptera : Anthomyiidae), showed 4 types of surface sensilla and 5 types of pit sensilla. The ultrastructure of the surface sensilla indicated all had a primary olfactory function. These include thick-walled multiporous trichoid sensilla, thin-walled multiporous basiconic sensilla (with 2 subtypes), thin-walled multiporous clavate sensilla, and grooved sensilla with channels at the base of each of the grooves. Clavate sensilla had 2 types of dendrites, one tubular, the other “scrolled”. This 2nd type may indicate an additional thermosensitive function. The dorsal pits contained thin-walled multiporous basiconic sensilla with a tapered tip. The ventral pits contain 3 types of sensilla, which have no wall pores and an inflexible socket. These may contain thermo- and/or hygroreceptors and include smooth-walled conical-, smooth-walled tapered- and striated pit sensilla. The 4th type is a grooved pit sensillum similar to the surface type.     

Structure and function of antennal pore plate sensilla of oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Coleoptera : Dynastidae)

The antennae of the rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera : Dynastidae), comprise 4 parts : the scape, the pedicel, a funicle, and a club of 3 lamellate segments. The inner surfaces of the lamellate club segments carry one type of trichoid sensilla, 2 types of sensilla coeloconica, and 3 types of multiporous pore plate sensilla. The total surface occupied by the sensilla on the antenna is 5.2±0.4 mm² in males (mean±SD) and 5.4±0.5 mm² in females. With a measured density of 8665±1254 sensilla per mm² in males and 8952±1642 sensilla per mm² in females, the total number of pore plate sensilla was estimated to be between 45,000 and 50,000. The structure of the 3 types of pore plate sensilla is described. SP1 are the most abundant type of placoid sensilla. They show a convex and rugged plate whose infoldings form a circle of irregular cavities. SP2 sensilla are characterised by a smooth and convex plate, surrounded by a furrow with a ridge. SP2 are localised on a wide band situated along the straight side of the lamella. The plate of SP3 is nearly flat and there is no furrow. SP3 are confined within a narrow margin along the convex edge of lamellae. The 3 types of pore plate sensilla house 2 neurones whose dendrites branch repeatedly under a plate of thin (0.2 μm) cuticle, which is pitted with numerous pores, 40 nm in diameter. Single sensillum recordings with tungsten microelectrodes revealed the firing activity of 2 neurones. These receptor neurones responded specifically to olfactory stimulus. Olfactory receptor neurones tuned to the male pheromone compound, ethyl 4-methyl octanoate, were found in male and female antennae. Other receptor neurones responded to plant volatiles. Morphological and electrophysiological data suggest the absence of a sexual dimorphism in the olfactory organs. The functional organisation of the olfactory organs is discussed in terms of their adaptation to the ecology of O. rhinoceros.     

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.     

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.     

Cuticular sensory receptors on the antenna and maxillary palp of a fly larva, Nephrotoma suturalis (Diptera: Tipulidae)

Abstract. The apex of the larval antenna of the crane fly Nephrotoma suturalis has 6 cuticular sensilla that stained intensely black with silver nitrate, which indicates their porosity. The large sensory cone is innervated by 14 neurons and the 3 small, smooth surfaced, conical pegs have 4 neurons each. The small and large cylindrical sensilla with their smooth walls and pleated apices are innervated by 4 and 6 nerve cells, respectively. The 15 sensilla on the apex of the maxillary palp are all stained by silver nitrate. These sensilla are of five types: 7 type A sensilla with a smooth surface, a distinct apical pore, and 3 or 4 neurons; 2 type B sensilla with a smooth surface, many pores, and 5 neurons; 1 type C sensillum with a grooved surface, a large apical pore, smaller pores in the grooves, and 6 neurons; 3 type D sensilla with a smooth surface, a grooved apex that is elongated into a projection, and 4 neurons; 2 type E sensilla with many pores covering the surface, leaf-like appearance, and 4 neurons. The number and types of sensilla are similar to those in other nematocerous larvae, but in the many different forms of sensilla and the structure of the sensory cone, these tipulid larvae differ greatly from other larvae of lower Diptera.     

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.     

Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla of the tarnished plant bug,Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Sensilla on the antennae of adult and last-instar nymphs of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae), were examined with light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Six different types were identified in adult females and males and 5 types in last-instar nymphs: types 1 and 4 are sensilla trichodea, 2 and 3 are sensilla chaetica, and 5 and 6 are sensilla basiconica. Type 1 are located at distal region of terminal segment and type 2 are located at distal regions of proximal 3 segments in both adults and nymphs. Type 3 is present on all segments, more numerous on scape and pedicel and less abundant on distal third and fourth segments in both adult and nymphal stages. Types 4 and 6 are absent on the scape and present on the distal 3 antennal segments in adults, but they are present only on the distal-most antennal segment in nymphs. Type 5 sensilla are present only on second antennal segments in adults and are absent in nymphs. Sexual dimorphism is observed in total numbers: there are significantly more type(s) 3, 4, 5 and 6 sensilla in adult males than adult females. Types 1, 4 and 5 are multiporous with thin cuticle, branched dendrites and pore tubules which suggests an olfactory function. These sensilla have 3, 3 and 2 neurons, respectively. The type 6 sensillum has an apical pore and pores in the cuticular wall, and is innervated by 5 nerve cells with unbranched dendrites. Sensillar types 2 and 3 have thick cuticle, a single apical pore and nerve cells with unbranched dendrites. Type 2 has 1 neuron and type 3 has 2 chambers and 2 nerve cells.     

Aspects on the Ultrastructure of the Cephalic Region in Two Species of Acrobelinae (Nematoda,Cephalobidae)

The lip structures termed labial probolae, characteristic for the subfamily Acrobelinae, and the anterior sense organs have been studied by electron microscopy. The labial probolae consist of an amorphous tissue with denser strengthenings. They do not contain any sensory structures or musculature. The anterior sense organs consists of: (1) six inner labial sensilla, each with one receptor ending in a pore on a papilla; (2) six outer labial sensilla, each with one receptor ending in the cuticle; (3) four cephalic sensilla, each with two receptors, one ending in a pore on a papilla and the other in the cuticle; (4) two amphids, each with 12 sensory neurons basally; (5) accessory sensilla ventro-laterally. The combination of several chemoreceptive anterior sensilla and the morphological diversity of the labial probolae within the subfamily may aid in the utilization of different soil microhabitats.     

苹果蠹蛾头部感器的电镜扫描结构

本文使用扫描电镜系统观察并描述了苹果蠹蛾Cydia pomonella(L.)成虫及幼虫触角上及口器上的感器。主要研究结果如下:1)苹果蠹蛾成虫触角背面密布鳞片,感器很少,腹面和侧面鳞片稀疏,具大量感器;2)触角上的感器大部分分布于鞭节各节,少部分分布于柄节和梗节;3)雄虫触角上着生10种感器,雌虫触角上着生9种感器,与雄虫相比,雌虫缺少鳞形感器;4)雄虫口器具鳞形感器和刺形感器,雌虫口器仅具刺形感器;5)幼虫触角3节,基节无感器,第2节具2刺形感器且其分布位置存在个体差异,端节端部具呈三角状排列的3个栓锥感器;6)幼虫口器具一定数量和不同形态的感器。     

Morphology and distribution of the external labial sensilla in Fulgoromorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera)

The present paper describes the sensory structures on the apical segment of the labium in fifteen fulgoromorphan families (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha), using the scanning electron microscope. Thirteen morphologically distinct types of sensilla are identified: five types of multiporous sensilla, four types of uniporous sensilla and four types of nonporous sensilla. Three subapical sensory organ types are also recognized, formed from one to several sensilla, each characteristic of a family group. Sensilla chaetica (mechanoreceptive sensilla) fall into three categories dependent on length and are numerous and evenly distributed on the surface of the labium except where they occur on specialized sensory fields. The planthopper morphological ground plan is represented by two apical pair of sensory fields (dorsal and ventral) on which 11 dorsal pairs of sensilla (10 peg-like pairs + 1 specialized pair dome or cupola-like) and 2 ventral pairs of sensilla basiconica occur. Two main patterns (cixiid and issid) together with more specialized ones (derbid, lophopid, flatid and fulgorid) are reported. Disparity and diversity of the sensory structures are analyzed from a taxonomic and functional perspective. A gustatory function is provided for several chemoreceptive labial sensilla, as in the antennal flagellum sensilla in some other Hemiptera. This represents a more recently evolved function for the planthopper labium. Finally, further lines of study are suggested for future work on the phylogeny of the group based on the studied characters.     

Ultrastructural studies of Haller's organ in the argasid tick, Argas tridentatus (Argasidae)]

Haller's organ in A. tridentatus consists of a capsule and an anterior group of sensilla. The capsule is the hollow in the cuticle on the dorsal surface of the first tarsus, where 4 pored hairs of olfactory sensilla are situated under the cover of the roof, formed by an anostomosis of the upper brunches of pleomorphs (capsule's bottom non-sensory cuticular outgrowths). The canal of the accessory ampullaceous sensillum opens in a capsule near the bottom. The anterior group of sensilla consists of two parts: proximal part, containing pored grooved and thin hairs, is homologous to the anterior grouf of ixodid ticks, and distal one which has no homologues in ixodids. Fine structure of all the sensilla in the mentioned parts of Haller's organ is described in detail.     

Ultrastructural Analysis of the Sensilla of Austroperipatus aequabilis Reid, 1996 (Onychophora,Peripatopsidae)

The head of Austroperipatus aequabilis bears five types of sensilla. which were examined by electron microscopy. They differ from each other in position, shape of outer sensory elements and cuticular socket structures. Thus, we distinguish sensilla with sensory hairs, sensilla with sensory bulbs, cone-shaped sensilla. sensilla with sensory bristles, and sensilla of the lips. They are composed of up to 15 cells, which can he separated into four cell types. The most frequent cell type is the bipolar receptor cell that occurs in all sensilla. The apical surface of this primary receptor cell is characterized by one or two partly branched cilia with a basal 9 × 2 + 0 pattern of microtubules. A modified bipolar receptor cell was found in all sensilla bearing a sensory peg except for the sensilla equipped with sensory bristles. The apical dendrite extends to a long pale process which exclusively contains mitochondria and single microtubules. In all sensilla examined in this study at least one supporting cell occurs which is characterized by parallel microvilli. An additional function of this cell type as a part of the stimulus-conducting system is possible. In the sensillum with a sensory bulb two kinds of supporting cells occur. A unique cell type with an upside down position has regularly been found in all sensilla bearing a sensory peg. Apart from the sensilla they also occur within the labial epidermis. Since most sensilla contain several different receptor cells, they can be considered as complex sense organs. © 1998 The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved     

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.