Variation in distribution of sensilla on antennal flagellum in the post-embryonic developmental stages of the brown-banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa Fabricius (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated the segmental distribution of various types of antennal sensilla in the post-embryonic developmental stages of the brown-banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa Fabricius. Three major types of mechanosensilla and chemosensilla were identified. A progressive increase in the number of various types of sensilla with increase in the number of segments as well as nymphal stages and adults was observed. The density of sensilla chaetica and sensilla basiconica increased approximately 12.5- and 24-fold from first nymphal stage to males respectively, while density of sensilla trichoidea increased 8-fold from 2nd nymphal instar to adult stage. A high degree of correlation between the average total number of sensilla and post-embryonic stages was observed.