Abstract
Hastisetae are a specific group of detachable setae characterizing the larvae of Megatominae (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), commonly known as carpet and khapra beetles. These setae are located on both thoracic and abdominal tergites and they are the primary defense of the larva against invertebrate predators. According to previous studies, the main purpose of hastisetae is to work as a mechanical obstacle, but they are also capable to block and kill a predator. Hastisetae, single or aggregate, function as an extremely efficient mechanical trap, based on an entangling mechanism of cuticular structures (spines and hairs) and body appendages (antennae, legs and mouthparts). It is believed that this defensive system evolved primarily to contrast predation by invertebrates, however it has been observed that hastisetae may affect vertebrates as well. Although information on the impacts of vertebrate predators of the beetles is lacking, hastisetae have been shown to be a possible threat for human health as an important contaminant of stored products (food and fabric), work and living environment. Review of past and recent literature on dermestid larvae has revealed that despite these structures indicated as one of the distinctive characters in species identification, very little is known about their ultrastructure, evolution and mechanism of action. In the present work, we will provide the state of knowledge on hastisetae in Dermestidae and we will present and discuss future research perspectives intended to bridge the existing knowledge gaps.
Highlights
The cuticle plays a pivotal role in several aspects of arthropod biology, representing the interface between the living tissue and the external environment (Bereiter-Hahn, Matoltsy & Richards, 1984)
Hastisetae have been cited in several papers dealing with Dermestidae systematics (Rees, 1943; Kiselyova & McHugh, 2006), species identification (Booth, Cox & Madge, 1990; Peacock, 1993), and product contamination (Bousquet, 1990)
The scant information about the fine morphology and the ecological roles of hastisetae, and their implications in human health opens a whole horizon of research possibilities
Summary
The cuticle plays a pivotal role in several aspects of arthropod biology, representing the interface between the living tissue and the external environment (Bereiter-Hahn, Matoltsy & Richards, 1984). The cuticle displays structural specializations such as denticles, setae, setulae and spines, all with specific functions (Winterton, 2009). Setae are multicellular protuberances on the cuticle, used primarily for mechanoreception (Keil & Steinbrecht, 1984; Keil, 1997; Winterton, 2009; Barth, 2004). In all groups of arthropods, the role of setae has evolved from simple mechanoreception to various other functions, including defense (Battisti et al, 2011), locomotion (Labarque et al, 2017), prey capture
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