Tubular bodies in dendritic outer segments projecting to second embryonic cuticle from anlagen of contact chemoreceptors in Locusta migratoria L. (Orthoptera : Acrididae) and Periplaneta americana (L.) (Dictyoptera : Blattidae)

Bundles of dendritic outer segments project to the 2nd embryonic cuticle from anlagen of contact chemoreceptors in the antennae of 9-day embryos (80–85% stage) of Locusta migratoria L. (Orthopteroidea) and in the maxillary palps of 24-day embryos (80% stage) of Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattodea). The dendrite sheaths fuse with irregular nodular thickenings in the 2nd embryonic cuticle in Locusta; in Periplaneta the sheaths are joined to it by filaments. In both species one of the dendritic outer segments shows a dilation within which a tubular body is contained. This tubular body is located in Locusta at the nodular thickening where the dendrite sheath is connected to the 2nd embryonic cuticle. In Periplaneta, the tubular body was observed near the junction between the dendrite sheath and the cuticle in most cases, but at some distance to the cuticle in others. The occurrence of a tubular body is discussed with reference to mechanoreceptive capacities of the sensory cells and to the phylogeny of the 2nd embryonic cuticle.