Sensillary morphology on the rostral apex and their possible role in prey location behaviour of the carnivorous stinkbug,Eocanthecona furcellata(Wolff) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff), the carnivorous heteropteran, demonstrates interesting feeding mechanisms that suggest the involvement of the antennal and labial tip sensilla. This study was conducted to identify the morphology of various sensilla present on the labial tip of this insect using scanning electron microscopy. Four morphologically different types of trichoid sensilla comprise the largest and most numerous sensilla and occur throughout the surface of the labial tip. Three new and unique types of sensilla were discovered. Long hairs with profusely branched shafts are present at the entrance of the rostral groove. An oval-shaped peg surrounded by sensory hairs with branched shafts and a short, stout peg encircled by a group of long hair-like sensilla was found among the sensilla population of two lobes. The morphology of the new sensilla is given and possible functions of individual receptors are suggested on morphological grounds.