Sensilla on antenna and maxillary palp of predaceous fly, Lispe neimongola Tian et Ma (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

This study describes aspects of sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps of an aquatic predator, Lispe neimongola Tian et Ma. Types, distribution and density of sensilla were studied by stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The antennal scape has one type of sensilla, the sharp-tipped chaetic sensilla; whereas, the antennal pedicel possesses two subtypes of these sensilla. Three types of sensilla are found on antennal funiculus: trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla (two subtypes) and clavate sensilla. Sensilla found on palpal surface include the third subtype of basiconic sensilla and chaetic sensilla. Two unique sensillar characters of L. neimongola detected are the absence of coeloconic sensilla on antennal funiculus and the greater number of basiconic sensilla on spoon-like palps. These results are compared with equivalent findings in several other Calyptratae fly species of different ecotypes to provide evidence of adaptation to their environment.