Ultrastructure of sensory equipments on the heads ofKallitaxila granulata(Stål) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae)

Abstract

The polyphagous planthopper, Kallitaxila granulata (Stål) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae), has been recently introduced into southeastern China, the Philippine islands, and Hawaii, where it has done significant damage to agricultural and forest ecosystems. The external morphology of the heads of adult male and female K. granulata was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Seven types of sensilla were reported: trichoid sensilla and campaniform sensilla on the antennal pedicel, antennal scape and maxilla; plate organs on the antennal pedicel; coeloconic sensilla in Bourgoin's organ on the expanded flagellar base; ampullaceal sensilla on the antennal pedicel; wavy-pit sensilla on the antennal pedicel and antennal scape; and coin-shaped sensilla on each lateral side of the labium. Evans' organ was described as placoid sensilla sunk into shallow cuticular cavities below the antennae. The external morphology, distribution, and abundance of sensilla located on antennae, maxillae, and labium in K. granulata were illustrated, with a brief discussion of their taxonomic, phylogenetic, and putative functional significance.