Abstract
In the present study, scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructure of sensilla present on the antennae of male and female Zygogramma bicolorata. The antennae in this insect consist of the scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres. Six types of sensilla were identified: sensilla trichodea type 1 and 2 (ST1, ST2), sensilla cavitae (SCa), sensilla chaetica (SCh), and sensilla basiconica type 1 and 2 (SB1, SB2). Sensilla were characterized on the basis of their size and density to find out whether sexual dimorphism exists in this species or not. We observed that the size of the antennomeres was comparatively larger in males than females. Moreover, sensilla chaetica were found on all antennomers and have the qualification of being the longest type, suggesting that they probably have a role in mechanoreception. There was an abundance of sensilla trichodea in both males and females, indicating its function as a chemoreceptor. Sensilla basiconica are believed to sense sex pheromones and hence their abundance was more in males as compared to females.
Highlights
Volatile semiochemicals emitted by plants are the principal sensory signals detected by insects (Crook et al, 2005; Wang et al, 2010; Mamidala et al, 2013)
The antenna of the insect is equipped with minute, microscopic, and hair-like sensory structures having a defined distribution and morphology, called sensilla, and these structures are involved in locating the host plant, searching for ovipositional sites, and helping in intersexual communication between insects (Zacharuk, 1985; Shields, 2008; Zhang et al, 2015)
The flagellum is an important component of the antenna, where numerous sensilla are attached
Summary
Volatile semiochemicals emitted by plants are the principal sensory signals detected by insects (Crook et al, 2005; Wang et al, 2010; Mamidala et al, 2013). The antenna of the insect is equipped with minute, microscopic, and hair-like sensory structures having a defined distribution and morphology, called sensilla, and these structures are involved in locating the host plant, searching for ovipositional sites, and helping in intersexual communication between insects (Zacharuk, 1985; Shields, 2008; Zhang et al, 2015). Zacharuk (1985) suggested that sensilla showed a well-defined and specific distribution patterns on insect antennae. To understand behavioral and ecological adaptations in insects, understanding the structural morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla becomes an essential step
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