<p class="ZootaxaTitle"><strong>Diversity and distribution of antennal sensilla in Glossosomatidae in comparison with other basal families of caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera)</strong></p>

Abstract

Structure and distribution of antennal sensilla in 15 species of Glossosomatidae were studied with SEM and compared to available data for species in the families Philopotamidae (16 species previously studied) and Rhyacophilidae (25 species previously studied). Comparative analyses led to 8 different sensillar types being identified among the glossosomatids: long trichoid, curved trichoid, chaetoid, styloconic, coeloconic, mushroom-like pseudoplacoid, coronary, and Böhm’s bristles. Diversity of sensilla in Glossosomatidae is lower than reported for Rhyacophilidae and comparable to Philopotamidae. A coeloconic sensillum, unique to Glossosomatidae was identified but shows no species specificity. Distribution of most sensillum types resembles that seen in the other families: There are 2 tiers of sensilla and 4 types of distribution patterns, namely specific, non-specific, fixed, and grouped in sensory fields. Comparisons of Glossosomatidae with other Trichoptera families and data on lower Lepidoptera groups indicate a putative ground plan for antennal sensory structures among Amphiesmenoptera. In contrast, comparative data indicate a significant difference between Amphiesmenoptera and Mecoptera, a member of the sister group to Amphiesmenoptera.