Morphology of a thermosensitive multipolar neuron in the infrared organ of Merimna atrata (Coleoptera, Buprestidae)

Abstract

Two pairs of infrared (IR) organs are situated ventrolaterally on the second and third abdominal sternites of the Australian fire beetle Merimna atrata (Buprestidae). In ventral view, each IR organ has a round IR absorbing area under which a sensory complex is attached to the epidermis. The main component of the complex is a single large multipolar neuron and its mass of highly branched dendrites. All parts of this neuron are enveloped in glial cells. The proximal primary dendrites, which arise from the soma, finally branch into several hundred tightly packed terminal dendrites, which contain many mitochondria. We term this unusual morphology of the dendritic region a terminal dendritic mass (TDM). Additionally, two chordotonal organs were found in each sensory complex. Their somata are integrated in the complex and the dendrites extend to the periphery of the absorbing area. The bauplan of the dendritic region is reminiscent of the thermosensitive trigeminal nerve fibers innervating the absorbing structures in the IR receptors in boid and crotalid snakes. Because this multipolar neuron also functions as a thermoreceptor, another example of a functional analogy between insect and vertebrate sensory systems could be demonstrated.