Antennal sense organs of female Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae).

Abstract

The types, numbers, and distribution of antennal sense organs of female Culex tarsalis Coquillett are reported. There are about 1025 sense organs on the flagellum which are classified as 2 types of sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, 3 types of sensilla trichodea, and sensilla campaniformia. Except for the first few basal segments, the pointed-tipped sensilla trichodea are fairly evenly distributed on the flagellum. The number of type I blunttipped sensilla trichodea decrease distally while the sensilla basiconica increases. Type II blunt-tipped sensilla trichodea occur 1 per segment. Electron micrographs show a light tip on the sensilla basiconica indicating a decrease in thickness of the cuticle. A central canal in the basiconica is visible with the light microscope. Using the crystal violet staining technique for detecting permeable sense organs, it was found that the sensilla basiconica took up the stain as well as the type I blunt-tipped sensilla trichodea.