Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in adults of Xylotrechus quadripes.

Abstract

Xylotrechus quadripes (Chevrolat) is the serious woodborer pest of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.). To further elucidate the behavior mechanism of the insect based on chemical odorant and to advance effective trapping methods, the typology, distribution, and abundance of antennal sensilla were investigated meticulously in both sexes of X. quadripes by scanning electron microscopy. The filiform antennae of both sexes are composed of 11 segments, namely the scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres (f1-9). Ten types (14 subtypes) of sensilla were identified morphologically: sensilla chaetica (three subtypes, Ch.1-3), sensilla basiconica (three subtypes, Ba.1-3), Böhm bristles (Bb), sensilla dentiform (De), sensilla trichodea (Tr), sensilla auricillica (Au), sensilla campaniformia (Ca), grooved peg sensilla (Gp), cuticular pores (Cp), and a newly observed sensillum, named sensilla cone (Cone). The sensilla were mainly distributed in flagellomeres, and the types and amounts increased in frequency from scape to the ninth flagellomere. The numbers of sensilla were the highest on the antennal dorsal side, while the lowest on the ventral side. The types of sensilla were the most abundant on the lateral side, and two sensilla basiconica (Ba.1-2) were found exclusively. The average number of Tr, Ba, and Au on the antenna of the males was significantly greater than females, while the Gp and Cp on the antenna of the females were significantly greater than males. Ca was exclusively occurred on the male antennae but was absent in females. This study discusses the putative functions of the antennal sensilla in adults of X. quadripes based on their characteristics in related species' sensilla, and these results provide an important foundation to clarify the ecological adaption, olfactory recognition mechanism, and to develop the chemical ecology control of X. quadripes.