The Morphology of the Sensilla on the Proboscis of Aporia crataegi (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Abstract

Proboscis structure and sensilla types are important morphological characters for the systematic analysis of Lepidoptera families. There is no study on proboscis structure and sensilla types of Aporia crataegi (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) despite the fact that it is an important pest. For this purpose, the sensilla types and proboscis structure of A. crataegi were investigated by using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope in detail. The results show that the proboscis of A. crataegi has three sensillum types (sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea, and sensilla styloconica). Sensilla basiconica consists of a sensory cone with a single terminal pore surrounded by a shallow socket and has a flat surface. Sensilla trichodea (chaetica) is bristle-shaped. The bristles of sensilla trichodea are poreless and smooth. Sensilla styloconicum has a smooth stylus, blunt tip, and long peg. In this study, the proboscis structure and sensilla types of A. crataegi were discussed with morphological similarities and differences of the other lepidopteran species’ proboscis structure and sensilla types. Thus, they contribute to the understanding of proboscis structure and sensilla types in Lepidoptera including Pieridae.