The sense organs on the antennal flagellum of aphids (Homoptera), with special reference to the plate organs

Abstract

ABSTRACT The cuticular parts of the aphid plate organ consist of an outer and an inner layer. Both are transparent and in the space between them are many fine branches of the half dozen, or more, sensory neurones which lie below the plate. Each dendrite narrows, a short distance above its cell body, and assumes the structure of a cilium with 9 pairs of peripheral fibrils, a ciliary collar, and basal bodies with rootlets. Distally the dendrite loses its ciliary structure, passes through one of several openings in the inner cuticular layer of the plate and branches repeatedly. The only formed cytoplasmic elements so far identified within the branches of the dendrites are neurofilaments. The outer cuticular layer of the plate is perforated by a large number of small openings. Groups of filaments leave the surface of the dendrite branches and enter these openings. The filaments have a diameter close to 10 mμ and resemble the neurofilaments within the dendrite branches.