Abstract
Examination of the antennae of Melanophila drummondi Kirby and Melanophila acuminata DeGeer reveal a new type of sensory structure containing sensilla basiconica. The distal lobes of antennal annuli 3–11 of M. drummondi and annuli 4–11 of M. acuminata possess a slit structure which contains from 15 to more than 60 sensilla basiconica. The location of these organs with respect to antennal position during flight, and their ability to stain when treated with aqueous crystal violet dye suggest their probable role as chemoreceptors. A campaniformtype organ was also found on the lateral regions of the antennal annuli of the female M. acuminata. Between 20 and 30 of these organs were present on either side of the annulus. These organs were absent from the male M. acuminata antennae. The possible function of this organ as a temperature receptor is discussed.
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